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array_files[0]=new Array(0,4,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/pdfs/NPU-Com-Matters-Sept07.pdf","2007-08-15","436K"," Community Matters Sept-October 2007","","","NPU nltr sept-oct07.qxd 8/9/07 5:11 PM Page 2 Communitymatters NORWICH PUBLIC UTILITIES SEPT/OCT 2007 Clean Rivers, Clean Harbor, Sound Norwich A community wastewater project with far-reaching implications Mandates In 2007, NPU received an order from the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (CT-DEP) to eliminate the citys remaining combined sewer overflows (CSOs). CSOs are points within Norwich where the storm drain network combines with sewer main infrastructure. During very heavy rain, this can cause an overflow of diluted, but untreated waste into local rivers. In the late 1800s, when these networks were originally constructed, CSOs were standard in wastewater treatment. But a lot has changed since then. In 1973, NPU began a state project to eliminate CSOs in the city. Since then, 28 CSOs have been eliminated. Norwich is required to submit a plan to eliminate the 15 remaining active CSOs by 2010. Choices In the 1980s, nitrogen pollution from sewer treatment plants was identified as a problem for Connecticut. Nitrogen is a common fertilizer. Its increasing quantities in local rivers and Long Island Sound lead Who doesnt want clean rivers, a clean harbor, and a sound Norwich? The Norwich harbor area is one of the citys finest features and a major contributor to the current downtown rejuvenation. The wastewater treatment plant is among Norwichs most important pieces of infrastructure for growth and economic development, yet it discharges treated water into the Thames River, affecting the harbor. Are the harbor and treatment plant compatible neighbors? Both encourage growth in our community. And, thanks to continuing advancements in wastewater treatment standards, the answer can be a definitive YES. Wastewater treatment--then and now In 1938, before Norwichs first sewer plant was constructed, the standard method for eliminating sewage from riverfront mills was to send the waste into the Shetucket, Yantic and Thames Rivers. That first sewer plant and others like them led to improvements in wastewater treatment that cleaned up the waterways that we all enjoy today. Are the harbor and treatment plant compatible neighbors? The answer can be a definitive YES. The Norwich wastewater facilities now need repair and improvements. The proposed expansion will prepare Norwich to meet its current needs in economic development and population growth. NPU began the public participation process by reviewing mandates, challenges and choices at an open house and facilities tour held at the wastewater treatment plant. Here are some meeting highlights. to significant algae growth that kills fish and jeopardizes local industry, recreation and tourism. In 2000, after the passage of the Long Island Sound Restoration Act (LISRA), a statewide goal to reduce nitrogen discharges from Connecticuts sewer plants by 54% was announced. This requirement gave cities like Norwich Continued inside...  NPU nltr sept-oct07.qxd 8/9/07 5:11 PM Page 3 Clean Rivers... Continued from page 1 two choices--make the necessary infrastructure changes to reduce nitrogen outputs or pay special fees based on existing outputs that will be used to compensate other communities that make these changes. Challenges Cost is the major challenge facing Norwich in carrying out these necessary upgrades. Back in the 1970s, when the wastewater plants last major upgrade and CSO projects began, state and federal funding covered 90% of the expense. This is not the case now. Meanwhile, the total cost to complete all upgrades is expected to top 100 million over a 15-year period. NPU is actively seeking creative funding alternatives. Some funding is available through the Connecticut Clean Water Fund and the Governors Fund for Economic Diversification. Policies like Norwichs sewer capital connection fee are also collecting money for the project. Get involved We encourage you to learn more, ask questions and make suggestions. Clean Rivers, Clean Harbor, Sound Norwich is a community wastewater project with far-reaching implications for Norwich, and perhaps eastern Connecticut. Call us or visit our website at www.norwichpublicutilities.com for more information. NPU is committed to involving our community as we move forward in the decision-making process. Look for a special October issue of Community Matters that will share feedback and questions & answers from Septembers public participation meetings. Fall Safety Tips WOODSTOVES & WOOD-BURNING · Before the season begins, have your chimney cleaned and clean your woodstove · Remove any clutter on or near a stove or fireplace · Be sure your chimney is lined and the liner is in good condition SMOKE ALARMS · Test all smoke alarms · Place an alarm on each floor of your home · Practice a fire drill so youll know what to do if a smoke alarm goes off VEHICLE SAFETY · Never leave a vehicle running on top of leaves--the catalytic converter can ignite the leaves · If you smoke while driving, please discard cigarette butts in your ashtray--not out the window; a cigarette dropped on a pile of dry leaves can start a fire BRUSH BURNING A permit is required to burn brush. For information on obtaining a permit, call the Norwich Fire Department at 892-6080. How NPU keeps your water clean Clean, clear, healthy drinking water is vital to our community. Thats why Norwich Public Utilities (NPU) carefully monitors and conducts routine maintenance on its water distribution system. Part of this maintenance involves bi-annual water main flushing. Flushing is done to remove harmless, naturally occurring sediments, like dissolved iron and manganese, from local water mains. A flush is performed by releasing water from fire hydrants until the water flow runs clear. This process takes, on average, about one to two minutes per hydrant. Since some streets do not have hydrants connected to the water system, NPU installs special valves that enable us to perform the flushing process so these, too, can be flushed clean. Water main flushing is an effective method of improving the appearance of drinking water. any impact on our customers. Sometimes water main flushing can cause a temporary reduction in water pressure or discolored water. While not pleasing to look at, be assured that according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this discolored water is never a public health threat. NPUs goal is to minimize adverse effects from flushing. If you experience Flushing is done to remove harmless, naturally occurring sediments from local water mains. The next system flush is scheduled for midOctober when reservoir levels are high. It also serves as a way to check hydrants to make sure they are in good working order for fire emergency use. The next system flush is scheduled for mid-October when reservoir levels are high. During this time, NPU makes every effort to minimize dirty water, flush your internal piping by opening your cold-water tap. Allow it to run until the water clears up (approximately 5 to 10 minutes). If you have any questions about the water main flushing program, contact NPU at 887-2555 or via email at communitymatters@npumail.com.  NPU nltr sept-oct07.qxd 8/9/07 5:11 PM Page 4 Brrrrrr... Cold weather ahead! Take these simple steps to save energy-- and money--this winter Nows the time to improve your homes efficiency--before the winter heating season starts. Discover how these little changes can make a big difference! · Clean and tune-up your heating equipment (boiler or furnace) annually; Ask the technician to perform an efficiency test; When replacing a unit, install high-efficiency equipment · Set water heater temperature to 120 degrees · Install programmable thermostats; Program it to lower your heat--five to seven degrees usually work best--when you are sleeping or not home; Although you may save more by setting the temperature back even further, some savings will be lost because it takes longer to raise the temperature up to its original setting · Caulk around windows and exterior doors to reduce outside drafts; Up to 60% of a homes heating energy loss is due to outside air leaking in; If curtains move when its windy outside, thats a good sign that there are excessive drafts around your windows; Install storm windows or plastic film on singlepane windows · Install weather stripping on exterior doors to ensure a tight seal; Storm doors can also help reduce drafts · Keep south-facing blinds and curtains open during the day to take advantage of free solar heat; Close them at night to keep heat from radiating out For more helpful energy efficiency tips, visit www.norwichpublicutilities.com/efficiencymain.html. Run your own home personal energy profile using the Energy Depot online tool and appliance calculator. Community resources The Norwich Office of Community Development is offering the following assistance programs for individuals and small businesses. PROPERTY REHAB LOAN PROGRAM Private homeowners or investors with property in the City of Norwich may be eligible for property rehabilitation loans at 0% interest. Call Wayne Sharkey for information at 823-3776. DOWN-PAYMENT ASSISTANCE First-time homebuyers in the City of Norwich, who meet income guidelines, may be eligible for assistance of up to 7,000 for a down payment and closing costs. These loans are forgivable if the homebuyer remains in the property for five years. Call 823-3770 for information. HEALTH SCIENCES JOB TRAINING Tuition assistance for income-eligible Norwich residents to obtain skills in health sciences. Qualifying fields: certified nurses aides, RNs, patient care technicians and medical billing. Call Janice Thompson at 823-3748 for information. SMALL BUSINESS GRANT FUND Small businesses in Norwich, with five or fewer employees whose owner has a low or moderate income, may apply for a grant to improve their business or to start a new one. Deadline for applications is October 19, 2007. Call 823-3770 or 823-3746 for information. Be prepared before a storm hits No one can predict exactly where a storm might hit. Take these steps ahead of time to help minimize the trouble that can be caused by serious weather. What to do before a storm · Keep flashlights with spare batteries, a manual can opener, a   ");
array_files[1]=new Array(0,1,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/sitemap.html","2007-08-15","15K","Norwich Public Utilities - Site Map","",""," Norwich Public Utilities - Site Map                All words Any words Exact phrase             Online Bill Payment    Residential Customers Rates Electricity Natural Gas Water & Sewer Download Electric Rates (PDF) Download Water Rates (PDF) Download Sewer Rates (PDF)  Understanding your bill Water Heater Rentals Customer Service Area If you are moving Answers about bill payment NEW! Online bill payment Water & Sewer service information Natural Gas Service plans Information about back-up generators How to Read Your Meters- FAQ’s about your meters  Meet the meter readers     Commercial Customers  Commercial Rates Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs Download Rates (PDF)  Energy Efficiency  Residential Programs & Rebate Forms Commercial and Industrial Programs & Rebate Forms Water Conservation Tips Power Alert Days Clean Cities Program  Community Relations  Community Matters Newsletter Current & Back Issues (PDFs) Wastewater Treatment Project Educational Programs/Tours Fish Lift Information  Safety Tips  Reservoir Safety General Safety Tips More Tips  Water Quality Reports  Download 2006 Report (PDF) Download 2005 Report (PDF)  How to Reach Us - Map/Directions About NPU - Our business model Important Notices - Current PGA and PPA Privacy Policy    Back to Top      Legal translation: [أربيك]汉语FrançaisDeutschItaliano한국어PortuguêsРусскоEspañol Norwich Public Utilities 860-887-2555 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360 Copyright 2005 Norwich Public Utilities   ");
array_files[2]=new Array(0,1,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/index.html","2007-08-15","17K","Norwich Public Utilities--Now with Online bill payment!","","","    Norwich Public Utilities--Now with Online bill payment!                  All words Any words Exact phrase                 » About Us » Contact Us » Home Page » Site Map                   A municipally owned utility serving Norwich, CT with natural gas, electricity, water and sewer services.    - Rates - Online Bill Payment - Customer Service Area - Are You Moving? - How to Reach Us - Safety Tips - Residential Services - Water Quality Report - Residential Gas Services                 - Rates - Online Bill Payment - Customer Service Area - Expanding your business or building a new facility? - Commercial Services - Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs - Water Quality Report            For information on proper disposal of compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) and facts about mercury content in CFLs, please click here. Report Street Lights Out Please call 860-823-4158 with the pole number, or the location of the burnt out or flickering light, or report online. Our Privacy Policy Take a moment to read how we protect your information by clicking here. Norwich Public Utilities 860-887-2555 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360 communitymatters@npumail.com         - Energy Efficiency - NEW! The Energy Depot - FREE Residential Home Energy Efficiency Walk-through Audit   - Energy Saving Tips and Tools - Residential Rebate Forms - Commercial Rebate Forms - Water Conservation Tips     POWER ALERT DAYS When a Power Alert is issued, please initiate energy efficiency measures. Click here to find out more.        REPORT EMERGENCIES   Natural Gas 860-887-7207 Electric, Sewer, Water 860-887-2555              CALL BEFORE YOU DIG! 1-800-922-4455 Its the Law! Click here for information.  - Community Matters – Read the latest bulletin, or find previous issues - Educational Programs/Tours - Norwich Clean Cities Program     Copyright 2005 Norwich Public Utilities      Legal translation: [أربيك]汉语FrançaisDeutschItaliano한국어PortuguêsРусскоEspañol          ");
array_files[3]=new Array(0,1,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/community_wastewater.html","2007-08-15","15K","Norwich Public Utilities - Clean Rivers... A Community Wastewater Project","",""," Norwich Public Utilities - Clean Rivers... A Community Wastewater Project Community Relations | Community Matters Newsletter | Educational Programs             All words Any words Exact phrase            Clean Rivers, a Clean Harbor, and a Sound Norwich. Its what we all want. Join us at a series of community information sessions and learn about proposed changes to the Norwich wastewater infrastructure that will:  Bring Norwich current with state and federal environmental mandates Upgrade the city’s aging wastewater infrastructure to reduce treatment plant odors Minimize the discharge of untreated waste into local rivers during wet weather Reduce nitrogen from sewage discharge, making our rivers, harbor and Long Island Sound cleaner Power the sewer plant using recaptured methane gas, reducing Norwich’s energy costs Prepare Norwich to meet current growth and future business development needs  Get Involved We encourage you to learn more, ask questions and make suggestions. “Clean Rivers, Clean Harbor, Sound Norwich” is a community wastewater project with far-reaching implications for Norwich, and perhaps eastern Connecticut. For more information, call us at 860-887-2555 or send an email to communitymatters@npumail.com. NPU is committed to involving our community as we move forward in the decision-making process. Back to Top     About the Norwich Wastewater Treatment Plant What happens to our waste when we flush, do laundry or run the garbage disposal is something most of us prefer not to think about. But wastewater treatment facilities are the backbone of every thriving community. Norwich is no exception. Norwich Public Utilities operates and maintains the city’s 8.5 million-gallon-per day wastewater treatment plant located on Hollyhock Island in downtown Norwich. The original facilities date back to the 1900s and have a long history of affecting our waterways to varying degrees. While today our local rivers are cleaner than ever, making sure that the treated discharge (effluent)--which flows into the Thames River--doesn’t hurt the health and beauty of our Harbor area is especially important. Thirty-one pump stations and 120 miles of sewer mains transport waste to the treatment plant. The facilities were last upgraded to meet Norwich’s needs in the late 1970s. Simplified, the current wastewater treatment process includes the removal of waste solids for incineration outside of the city and the treatment of liquids through biological and then chemical disinfection processes. The remaining effluent, which presently includes nitrogen and trace quantities of chlorine, is discharged into the Yantic River. Eventually, wastewater plant discharges from Norwich and other Connecticut treatment facilities reach Long Island Sound. The wastewater treatment process has implications far beyond our local waters. Today, concerns about nitrogen have changed the treatment process across the United States. In Norwich, 30+ year-old equipment, nitrogen discharge and remaining combined sewer overflows* have led the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection to mandate that changes be made. While these issues are not unique to Norwich, they are Norwich’s issues to address. Our city’s wastewater facilities have reached their long-term capacity and are now in need of upgrade and expansion for the benefit of our environment and future. *Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) are points within Norwich where the storm drain network combines with sewer mains. During heavy rain, this creates an overflow of diluted, untreated waste into the rivers. To date, 28 CSOs have been eliminated; 15 remaining CSOs must be addressed in a plan to be completed by 2010.  Back to Top           Youre Invited! To one of three community based information and education session open houses held at the Wastewater Treatment Plant 17 Falls Avenue, Norwich.     Wednesday, September 5, 2007 12 noon to 3:00 p.m. Thursday, September 6, 2007 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday, September 8, 2007 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.     Directions: Take West Main Street (Route 82 East) towards the harbor. Falls Avenue is located across from the marina entrance.     Legal translation: [أربيك]汉语FrançaisDeutschItaliano한국어PortuguêsРусскоEspañol Norwich Public Utilities 860-887-2555 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360 Copyright 2005 Norwich Public Utilities ");
array_files[4]=new Array(0,1,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/community_matters.html","2007-08-15","14K","Norwich Public Utilities - Community Matters","",""," Norwich Public Utilities - Community Matters Community Relations | Wastewater Treatment Project | Educational Programs             All words Any words Exact phrase           Norwich Public Utilities publishes a bulletin called Community Matters. As a customer, you will receive this bulletin with your bill from time-to-time. It includes important information about energy including how to conserve energy. You will find information from other community organizations in the bulletin. From This Issue Who doesn’t want clean rivers, a clean harbor, and a sound Norwich? The Norwich harbor area is one of the city’s finest features and a major contributor to the current downtown rejuvenation. The wastewater treatment plant is among Norwich’s most important pieces of infrastructure for growth and economic development, yet it discharges treated water into the Thames River, affecting the harbor. Are the harbor and treatment plant compatible neighbors? Both encourage growth in our community. And, thanks to continuing advancements in wastewater treatment standards, the answer can be a definitive “YES.” Read more from the current issue by downloading the PDF.  If you dont have Adobe Acrobat to read PDFs, you can download it for free here. You can also learn more about the community wastewater project on this website.  Back Issues 2007 (PDFs) Community Matters July 2007 Community Matters April 2007 Community Matters February 2007  Back Issues 2006 (PDFs)  Community Matters October 2006 Community Matters July 2006 Community Matters May 2006  Back Issues 2005 (PDFs) Community Matters December 2005  Community Matters September 2005 Community Matters July 2005 Community Matters May 2005 Community Matters March 2005  Back Issues 2004 (PDFs) Community Matters November 2004 Community Matters August 2004 Community Matters June 2004 Community Matters April 2004 Be sure to visit Norwich Now, the official web site of the City of Norwich. Back to Top  Learn about important issues, including how the energy market works and how policies affect Norwich.        Legal translation: [أربيك]汉语FrançaisDeutschItaliano한국어PortuguêsРусскоEspañol Norwich Public Utilities 860-887-2555 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360 Copyright 2005 Norwich Public Utilities ");
array_files[5]=new Array(0,1,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/community-relations.html","2007-08-15","17K","Norwich Public Utilities - Community Relations","",""," Norwich Public Utilities - Community Relations Community Matters Newsletter | Wastewater Treatment Project Watch the Fish Lift | Safety Programs | Environmental Programs             All words Any words Exact phrase           Norwich Public Utilities offers a wide variety of safety focused and environmentally focused educational programs. Whenever possible, we are more than happy to customize a tour or create a new tour to meet special needs or curriculum requirements. As a for-service utility provider, NPU offers unique educational opportunities not available anywhere else! For more information, or to schedule a tour, contact Jeanne Kurasz at 860 823-4182, or by email at jeannekurasz@npumail.com Community Matters Newsletter Norwich Public Utilities publishes a bulletin called Community Matters. As a customer, you will receive this bulletin with your bill from time-to-time. It includes important information about energy including how to conserve energy. Visit the Community Matters page for the current and back issues.     Safety Focused Programs  Electric Safety Demonstration Using a Hazard Hamlet model, a NPU lineman reviews the hazards associated with using electricity in an unsafe manner. Some of the safety gear and specialty tools used by linemen to work around electricity is also demonstrated. The goal of this demonstration is to teach children that electricity should never be taken for granted or misused. McGruff Truck© Program McGruff the Crime Dog© visits all Norwich elementary schools to teach the children about a special safety program involving Norwich Public Utilities. McGruff© and his utility assistant teach the children the special “McGruff” wave they can use to flag down a NPU utility truck if they need help. Our driver will stop and call 9-1-1 to get help for the child. NPU crews are trained to recognize the special wave and to stay with the child until help arrives. The Norwich Police Department partners with NPU on this program. Designed to be an “extra set of eyes helping to protect our children,” this program was created by the National Crime Prevention Council, this program is only available to municipal utilities. Substation Tour Tours of the 10th Street substation are designed to not only explain how electricity travels over wires, but also to educate children about the dangers associated with trespassing in electric substations. NPU linemen also demonstrate the specialized equipment they need to work safely around electricity. Also included is a visit to a hydroelectric generation facility and a discussion on how Norwich benefits from the generation of renewable energy. Back to Top     Environmentally Focused Programs Norwich Clean Cities Program Norwich participates in the Clean Cities Program. Its mission is to advance the nations economic, environmental, and energy security by supporting local decisions to adopt practices that contribute to the reduction of petroleum consumption. For more information, click here. Water Treatment Plant Tour Located in Lebanon, the Deep River Reservoir and Water Treatment Plant tour is a great compliment to the water cycle and water conservation curriculum. The tour takes students from the start of the process - the water source -- and travels through the entire water treatment process. The final result is clean and safe drinking water for the City of Norwich. Forestry Tour Voted “Tree Farm of the Year” in 2000, the land surrounding the Deep River Reservoir is abundant with a variety of trees and wildlife. Students interested in forestry learn about the steps NPU takes to harvest and replace trees to ensure the natural habitat surrounding the reservoir remains pristine and protected. Fish Lift/Hydro Tour Always popular, the fish lift, located on the picturesque Greeneville Dam, is used to transport native species of fish over the dam to travel upstream. Operated during the spring and fall, fish are “lifted” in a special basket and released into an upstream channel. Visitors can watch the fish swim past the viewing window. This tour is combined with the 10th Street substation tour, which includes seeing a hydroelectric generation facility and a discussion around how Norwich benefits from the generation of renewable energy. Energy Efficiency Presentation Using visual aids, NPU’s energy efficiency expert will discuss the importance of energy efficiency for future generations and discuss simple steps everyone can take to conserve energy at home and at school. National Theater for Children Performance Sponsored by NPU, once a year a troupe from the National Theater for Children visit the Norwich elementary schools for a fun and educational performance about energy efficiency and water conservation. Tilly--NPUs Goodwill Ambassador Equally enjoyed by the young and not-so-young alike, Tilly always makes new friends where ever he goes. He loves to tell stories and brag about the type of work his big brothers -- the bucket trucks, service vans, and dump trucks do at NPU!        Be sure to visit Norwich Now, the official web site of the City of Norwich. Back to Top    Meet Tilly, NPUs goodwill ambassador          Legal translation: [أربيك]汉语FrançaisDeutschItaliano한국어PortuguêsРусскоEspañol Norwich Public Utilities 860-887-2555 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360 Copyright 2005 Norwich Public Utilities ");
array_files[6]=new Array(0,1,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/important_notices.html","2007-08-10","12K","Norwich Public Utilities - Important Notices","","","  Norwich Public Utilities - Important Notices                         Electric Rate Changes | Public Hearings | Current PGA/PPA                 All words Any words Exact phrase              Compact Fluorescent Bulbs Want the facts concerning the mercury contained in compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) or how to properly dispose of broken bulbs? Visit www.epa.gov/mercury for informationprovided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on mercury contained in CFLs. The Norwich Transfer Station, located on Rogers Road, accepts CFLs at no charge. For Transfer Station hours, please visit the City of Norwichs website at www.norwichct.org.         Electric Rate Change Legal Notice At the March 27, 2007 regular meeting, the Board of Public Utilities Commissioners approved electric rates and fees that become effective on May 1, 2007. To read more about the rates and fees changes, download this PDF: Legal Notice March 2007 If you do not have Adobe Acrobat to read PDFs, you can download it for free by clicking here.        Notice of Public Hearings  Please check this page for current notices of public hearings.   Back to top         Current Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA) and Purchased Power Adjustment (PPA) EffectiveMay 1, 2007 PGA 0.5530 per CCF PPA Residential 0.03963 per kWh Commercial 0.03976 per kWh Commercial (without Gross Revenues Tax) 0.03918 per kWh Click here to learn more about adjustments. Back to Top       Legal translation: [أربيك]汉语FrançaisDeutschItaliano한국어PortuguêsРусскоEspañol Norwich Public Utilities 860-887-2555 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360 Copyright 2005 Norwich Public Utilities      ");
array_files[7]=new Array(0,1,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/power-alert.html","2007-08-06","12K","Norwich Public Utilities - Energy Efficiency: Power Alter Days","",""," Norwich Public Utilities - Energy Efficiency: Power Alter Days    “When summer days are at their hottest, consumers need to lower electricity demand. This puts less strain on the power grid and less strain on their wallets.” --John Bilda, General Manager, Norwich Public Utilities         Energy Efficiency | Residential Programs | Commercial & Industrial Programs | Water Conservation Tips | Power Alert Days | Clean Cities Program              All words Any words Exact phrase            The NPU efficiency team is leading the community by providing various tips and incentives to help reduce peak electricity usage and control electricity costs for all consumers. High-demand days are based on temperature, humidity and time of year, and usually occur during July and August. ISO New England calls these “degree days” and issues alerts so that areas can reduce strain on the energy system infrastructure. The NPU team has created Power Alert Days, which correspond to ISO New England’s degree days. By lowering peak-period energy demand, everyone can lower their bills. Power Alert Notice: If a Power Alert is issued, information will follow here.       Learn More... You can find out about Power Alert Days by:  listening to WICH 1310 AM  visiting the NPU web site regularly  signing up to receive an email alert at communitymatters@npumail.com  Back to Top          Legal translation: [أربيك]汉语FrançaisDeutschItaliano한국어PortuguêsРусскоEspañol Norwich Public Utilities 860-887-2555 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360 Copyright 2005 Norwich Public Utilities ");
array_files[8]=new Array(0,1,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/","2007-08-06","17K","Norwich Public Utilities--Now with Online bill payment!","","","    Norwich Public Utilities--Now with Online bill payment!                  All words Any words Exact phrase                 » About Us » Contact Us » Home Page » Site Map                   A municipally owned utility serving Norwich, CT with natural gas, electricity, water and sewer services.    - Rates - Online Bill Payment - Customer Service Area - Are You Moving? - How to Reach Us - Safety Tips - Residential Services - Water Quality Report - Residential Gas Services                 - Rates - Online Bill Payment - Customer Service Area - Expanding your business or building a new facility? - Commercial Services - Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs - Water Quality Report            For information on proper disposal of compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) and facts about mercury content in CFLs, please click here. Report Street Lights Out Please call 860-823-4158 with the pole number, or the location of the burnt out or flickering light, or report online. Our Privacy Policy Take a moment to read how we protect your information by clicking here. Norwich Public Utilities 860-887-2555 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360 communitymatters@npumail.com         - Energy Efficiency - NEW! The Energy Depot - FREE Residential Home Energy Efficiency Walk-through Audit   - Energy Saving Tips and Tools - Residential Rebate Forms - Commercial Rebate Forms - Water Conservation Tips     POWER ALERT DAYS When a Power Alert is issued, please initiate energy efficiency measures. Click here to find out more.        REPORT EMERGENCIES   Natural Gas 860-887-7207 Electric, Sewer, Water 860-887-2555              CALL BEFORE YOU DIG! 1-800-922-4455 Its the Law! Click here for information.  - Community Matters – Read the latest bulletin, or find previous issues - Educational Programs/Tours - Norwich Clean Cities Program    Copyright 2005 Norwich Public Utilities      Legal translation: [أربيك]汉语FrançaisDeutschItaliano한국어PortuguêsРусскоEspañol          ");
array_files[9]=new Array(0,4,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/pdfs/zerofinancingbrochure.pdf","2007-08-01","346K"," Zero-percent Financing Commercial Customers","","","Participating Banks & Contacts: Examples of Potential Projects to Consider: Lighting Replacement Most lighting projects show a return on investment in 2-3 years. This is possible due to advancements in fluorescent lighting technology. Replacing lighting that was installed in as little as 5 years ago can still offer considerable energy savings. Fixture design and layout are very important for optimizing the efficiency of lighting systems. William Terwilliger Vice President-Commercial Lending John Dolan Vice President-Commerical Lending Energy Efficiency for Commercial & Industrial Customers Zero Percent Financing Program Jane Moriarty Vice President-Commercial Lending Heating , Ventilating & Air Conditioning (HVAC) Improvements SIN CE 19 04 High efficiency HVAC systems, especially when coupled with a heat recovery system, offer considerable energy savings over the lifetime of the equipment. Adding whole building control systems, coupled with variable speed fans and occupancy sensors can increase the efficiency of both existing and new equipment. Printed 10/06 Jeff Brining, 823-4522 jeffbrining@npumail.com Jackie Roy, 823-4164 jackieroy@npumail.com www.norwichpublicutilities.com SIN CE 19 04 173 North Main Street Norwich, Connecticut 06360 860.887.2555 www.norwichpublicutilities.com  ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS FOR COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL CUSTOMERS Zero Percent Financing Program How is Eligibility Determined? Eligibility is determined by a technical evaluation of the customers facility. The evaluation must show that the proposed energy efficiency improvements would result in a positive cost benefit and a project payback of five (5) years or less. The banks participating in this program will analyze loan requests and determine creditworthiness according to their standard loan underwriting practices. Disclosure of the results of the analysis will be governed by the banks confidentiality policies. How the Program Works: After loan approval is received, the customer hires a contractor of their choosing to complete the work outlined in the NPU report. The customer is required to submit a copy of the project engineering plans and specifications to Jeff Brining, Energy Efficiency Program Director, at Norwich Public Utilities. Any changes to the proposed project requires approval by NPU prior to construction taking place. NPU will inspect the work performed and verify that the project will produce the anticipated energy savings and make payment(s) directly to the lender. I n partnership with three local banks - Chelsea Groton Savings Bank, The Dime Bank, and Eastern Federal Bank - Norwich Public Utilities is offering a zero percent (0%) loan for eligible projects. This program is available to qualifying commercial and industrial customers of Norwich Public Utilities. C u s t o m e r s who want to self-fin a n c e their projects will be eligible for an incentive equivalent to the interest at the current prime rate (for qualifying projects only.) Submittal Process: Upon completion of the eligibility evaluation, Norwich Public Utilities will provide the customer and bank with an Energy Audit Report and names and contact information for participating banks. The customer will submit a copy of the audit documentation and any other information, financial or otherwise, required by the bank for loan processing. Program Goals: Allow customer to pay for efficiency improvements from utility savings without the use of capital funds. Shorten payback period of loan through the buy down of the interest amount. Encourage businesses to install energy efficient technologies.  ");
array_files[10]=new Array(0,4,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/pdfs/sewer-cap-fee.pdf","2007-08-01","84K","sewer-cap-fee.pdf","","","SEWER AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF NORWICH NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF SEWER CAPITAL CONNECTION FEE The Sewer Authority of the City of Norwich (WPCA) has adopted a Sewer Capital Connection Fee. The Sewer Authority will assess the Sewer Capital Connection Fee charges for the establishment of new connections and the increase of existing waste water discharge to the Sewer System; depending on varying factors payment of the fee is due no later than the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, building permit, sewer permit, or WPCA approval of a discharge permit; to or at: Norwich Department of Public Utilities, 16 S. Golden Street, Norwich, Connecticut; all as more fully set forth in the proposed Sewer Authority of the City of Norwich Capital Connection Fee. The existing sewer connection fee of 2500 will continue to apply until July 31, 2006, to certain single family residences which as of September 27, 2005 have a certificate of occupancy, thereafter the new Sewer Capital Connection Fee will apply. The Capital Connection Fee Regulation was filed in the offices of the City and WPCA clerks on October 5, 2005, appeals therefrom must be taken within 21 days after such filing, and the foregoing summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Sewer Capital Connection Fee Regulation which is as follows: Sewer Authority of the City of Norwich Sewer Capital Connection Fee Section 1. Facilities and Improvements Subject to Capital Connection Fee. (a) The Sewer Authority shall charge and collect a Capital Connection Fee for: A.) Each New Connection to the sewer system; and B.) Each Improvement to a Facility connected to the sewer system that has the effect of any one or more of the following: (i) increasing the estimated sewage discharge by greater than or equal to 200 gallons/day; (ii) increasing the number of Equivalent Dwelling Units (EDU) in a multi-unit residential facility; (iii) improvements to a Facility resulting in the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for a building which 1) does not currently and for the prior two years did not possess a certificate of occupancy, or was not otherwise suitable for occupancy or use for the prior two years; and 2) which was not previously subject to a Capital Connection Fee as in effect on the Effective Date, or (iv) in the case of a commercial Laundry, or Facility for washing vehicles, manufacturing or processing facilities or other high water use processes utilizing at least 1000 gallons per day water consumption, in addition to an Improvement to the Facility, a change in the number or type of washing or other equipment resulting in an increased discharge of greater than or equal to 200 gallons/day. In the case of a Facility that falls within the scope of clause (iii) and any other clause, the Capital Connection Fee shall be based on clause (iii). C.) The issuance of a DEP (general/industrial) discharge permit or modification of an existing permit. D.) The Capital Connection Fee shall apply whether or not the Facility, Improvement or user is located within or outside of the geographic area of the City of Norwich. (b) In the case of Section 1(a)B clauses (i), (ii), and (iv), the Capital Connection Fee shall be applied to the increase in EDUs resulting from the change in the Facility, and in the case of clause B (iii), the EDUs  discharged by the Facility. In the case of Section 1(a)(C), the Capital Connection Fee shall be applied (i) in the case of a new permit, the maximum allowable discharge, and (ii) in the case of a permit modification, the increase, if any, in the maximum discharge permitted by the modification. This section 1(b) is subject to the provisions of section 2(d). Section 2. Determination of Capital Connection Fee. (a) New Connections and Improvements shall be assessed a Capital Connection Fee in accordance with the Connection Fee Schedule, provided the Facility or Improvement is listed thereon. Where the Facility or Improvement requires a DEP (general/industrial) discharge permit, the Capital Connection Fee will be based on the maximum allowable discharge as outlined in said permit and determined in accordance with these Regulations. (b) Each EDU of wastewater discharge to the System shall constitute a connection charge due and payable of 2,500; each fraction of an EDU shall constitute a connection charge due and payable of such fractional EDU multiplied by 2,500. (c) Each Use Unit of the Capital Connection Fee Schedule shall constitute one EDU. Each fractional Use Unit shall constitute the same fraction of one EDU. (d) 1) The Capital Connection Fee for Improvements shall be determined based on incremental discharge. The Capital Connection Fee due for an Improvement resulting in incremental discharge of greater than or equal to one EDU shall equal (i) where a Capital Connection Fee was previously paid with respect to the Facility, the Capital Connection Fee due based on the total discharge of the Facility after taking into account the Improvement, minus the discharge applicable to the Capital Connection Fee previously received by the Authority with respect to the Facility, or (ii) where a Capital Connection Fee was not previously paid with respect to the Facility, the incremental number of EDUs resulting from the Improvement determined in accordance with this section by comparing such discharge from the Facility before and after the Improvement. Clause (d)(1)(i) discharges shall be determined by reference to the Capital Connection Fee Schedule. 2) The pre-improvement discharge of a Facility for which no Connection Fee has been paid shall be the average yearly water consumption of the Facility to be improved over the past three years determined from the date of the Sewer Authority Connection Fee Permit application. This clause shall not apply to a section 1(a)(B)(iii) Improvement. (e) In the event the Facility or Improvement or discharge is not adequately described by the foregoing procedures, the WPCA may take into account other information in arriving at the estimated discharge and Capital Connection Fee, including design capacity, similar uses or facilities, discharge data including but not limited to that from DEP or engineering firms, or permit information. (f) For a Mixed Use Facility the number of EDUs shall be determined by treating each use separately and applying the Capital Connection Fee separately to each use. The sum of the EDUs for each use shall constitute the number of EDUs applicable to the Facility. (g) In the event a connection to the System serves more than one structure, building, facility, use or parcel, the Capital Connection Fee shall be the sum of each Capital Connection Fee determined separately as to each structure, building, facility, use or parcel, accessing the Sewer System through the connection. Except as provided in section 3, no connection to the Sewer System shall be permitted unless the Capital Connection Fee is paid in full prior to the connection, (or increase of discharge to an existing connection, if applicable) and in accordance with this regulation with respect to each Facility or Improvement served by the connection. No further or additional connections or use of the Sewer System other than that encompassed by the Capital Connection Fee paid pursuant to the Regulations shall be permitted without the approval of the Authority and payment of the Capital Connection Fee for such further or additional connection, use or Improvement. (h) Where a Facility or Improvement is capable of different uses having different Capital Connection Fees, and the actual uses are not known at the time the Capital Connection Fee is payable, the Capital Connection Fee shall be the average of the Capital Connection Fees due with respect to the likely uses. Upon actual use, the Capital Connection Fee shall be recalculated based upon determination of the actual use, and any Capital Connection Fee balance owed shall immediately be paid to the Authority, and any overpayment refunded, as applicable. (i) The owner shall be liable for payment of the Capital Connection Fee. The Authority shall pay all refunds to the owner of the property connected to the Sewer System, unless otherwise directed by the owner. In the event of disputes as to the proper recipient of the refund, the Authority may hold refunds in  escrow pending resolution by the disputing parties. (j) Exception for relocations within City that do not cause additional Sewer System burden. No Connection Fee shall be due where the Improvement or Facility is for: 1) a business or purpose that vacates its location of operation within the City; 2) relocates its operations to another location within the City; 3) the owner of the relocated business or entity does not change in any respect; 4) constructs Improvements or a Facility to replace the same purpose (including for purposes of the Connection Fee Schedule categorization) as that vacated, and 5) the Improvements or Facility constructed do not result in a New Connection, or in an increase in discharge compared to the discharge from the vacated location, determined on the basis of applying the Connection Fee Schedule to the vacated Facility and the Facility at the new location, including improvements. Examples of the application of this sub section include but are not limited to: the relocation of manufacturing facilities to a building that must be improved to accommodate it; the relocation of a business conducted in office space to rental space that was not previously used as office space; the relocation of a restaurant. Examples to which this sub section do not apply include but are not limited to: the owner of rental office space sells the building, and builds new rental office space; the owner of a condominium or apartment development sells its condominium or apartment development and builds new developments. This sub section shall not apply to any owner, its Facility or Improvement that is rental space; or to any owner, its Facility or Improvement consisting of building space or units thereof for sale or lease. Section 3. Payment of Capital Connection Fee. (a) The Capital Connection Fee shall be due and payable in full prior to and as a condition to the i  ");
array_files[11]=new Array(0,4,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/pdfs/rates-water2007.pdf","2007-08-01","8K","rates-water2007.pdf","","","WATER RATES CITY OF NORWICH DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES WATER RATE Available to all metered customers, whether Residential, Commercial or Industrial. MONTHLY COMMODITY CHARGE Meter size 1 ½ inch and below: Meter size above 1 ½ inch: All meters: MINIMUM CHARGE The minimum monthly charge shall be determined by the size of the customers meter installation as follows: Size of Meter 5/8 inch 3/4 inch 1 inch 1 1/4 inch 1 1/2 inch 2 inch 3 inch 4 inch 6 inch 8 inch & over Charge 7.88 9.43 15.53 39.85 39.85 72.45 135.70 235.75 385.25 621.00 First 5 Ccf per month @ 2.21 per Ccf First 5 Ccf per month @ 1.85 per Ccf In excess of 5 Ccf per month @ 1.85 per Ccf PRIVATE FIRE PROTECTION Billed based on the size of the unmetered fire connection(s) to NPU water mains. Billed monthly. Connection 2, 3 or 4 connection 1st connection Each additional connection 6 connection 1st connection Each additional connection 8 connection 1st connection Each additional connection 10 connection 1st connection Each additional connection 12 connection 1st connection Rate per Month 12.45 8.65 25.96 14.58 43.51 28.93 45.98 30.53 66.25  Each additional connection PRIVATE HYDRANTS 44.00 Rate per Month 8.65 Penalty: A monthly penalty charge equal to 1.5% of the unpaid balance not paid within 25 days of the billing date. Rates in effect: July 1, 2007  ");
array_files[12]=new Array(0,4,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/pdfs/rates-sewer2007.pdf","2007-08-01","6K"," LEGAL NOTICE Sewer Rates Effective July 1, 2007","","","SEWER RATES SEWER AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MONTHLY USAGE CHARGE All customers utilizing the sewer system of the City of Norwich Sewer Authority with average sewer strength, denoted by Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Suspended Solids (SS) levels not exceeding 300mg/L will be charged 3.802 per 100 cubic feet (Ccf). The measurement of cubic feet of sewage will be according to the amount of water measured coming into the premises by the water meter. All customers utilizing the sewer system of the City of Norwich Sewer Authority with sewer strength above the average indicated BOD or SS will be charged a surcharge for the increased BOD or SS. MINIMUM CHARGE All customers utilizing the sewer system of the City of Norwich Sewer Authority will be charged a minimum customer charge of 4.67 per month. PENALTY A monthly penalty charge equal to 1.5% of the unpaid balance not paid within 25 days of the billing date. Rates in effect: July 1, 2007  ");
array_files[13]=new Array(0,4,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/pdfs/rates-elec07b.pdf","2007-08-01","128K"," Electric Rate Card Effective May 1, 2007","","","ENERGY EFFICIENCY FUND: A charge will be applied to all billed kWh consumption to recover the costs of investment in renewable energy resources and energy efficiency and load reduction initiatives through the NPU Energy Efficiency Fund. MINIMUM CHARGE: The minimum charge is the minimum demand charge of 609.00 per month. PRIMARY METERING: Where the service is metered at the Utilities primary voltage, all kilowatt hour readings will be reduced by 2% to obtain billing quantities. DETERMINATION OF THE DEMAND REQUIREMENTS: The demand charge will be based on the greatest 15-minute KVA demand requirement within the current billing month measured by suitable demand metering devices or as otherwise determined by the Utility, but not less than 80% of the highest demand measured in the 11 months prior to the billing month, nor less than 100 KVA. FACILITIES OWNERSHIP DISCOUNT: If the service is taken at primary distribution voltage and Norwich Public Utilities is relieved of installing the service transformers and substation equipment, except the metering equipment, a credit shall be applied to the bill equal to 0.38000 per KVA of demand requirements. ELECTRIC CITY STREET LIGHTING - RATE ECSL AVAILABILITY: Available only to the City of Norwich for street lighting purposes. RATE: All kWh = 0.12321 per kWh PURCHASED POWER ADJUSTMENT: The Purchased Power Adjustment Rate will be applied to all kWh billed. ENERGY EFFICIENCY FUND: A charge will be applied to all billed kWh consumption to recover the costs of investment in renewable energy resources and energy efficiency and load reduction initiatives through the NPU Energy Efficiency Fund. ELECTRIC PRIVATE AREA LIGHTING - RATE EPAL AVAILABILITY: Available to customers for lighting purposes. RATE: EPAL-20 70W Hi Pressure Sodium / Metal Halide EPAL-16 100W Hi Pressure Sodium / Metal Halide EPAL-17 150W Hi Pressure Sodium / Metal Halide EPAL-18 250W Hi Pressure Sodium / Metal Halide EPAL-19 400W Hi Pressure Sodium / Metal Halide EPAL-23* 100W Mercury Vapor EPAL-24* 175W Mercury Vapor EPAL-26* 250W Mercury Vapor EPAL-27* 400W Mercury Vapor EPAL-28* 700W Mercury Vapor EPAL-25* 1000W Mercury Vapor * Not available to new customers PURCHASED POWER ADJUSTMENT: The Purchased Power Adjustment Rate will be applied to all kWh billed. ENERGY EFFICIENCY FUND: A charge will be applied to all billed kWh consumption to recover the costs of investment in renewable energy resources and energy efficiency and load reduction initiatives through the NPU Energy Efficiency Fund. MINIMUM CHARGE: The minimum charge shall be the Rate per kWh multiplied by the applicable kWh per Light consumption. PURCHASED POWER ADJUSTMENT : The Electric Rates, effective May 1, 2007, include a base power cost. The Purchased Power Adjustment Charge or Credit applied will be the actual power costs billed to Norwich Public Utilities by its Wholesale Supplier less the amount of purchased kWh priced at the base power cost. The total Purchased Power Adjustment Charge or Credit will be adjusted to reflect all applicable taxes. ENERGY EFFICIENCY FUND: A charge will be applied to all billed kWh consumption to recover the costs of investment in renewable energy resources and energy efficiency and load reduction initiatives through the NPU Energy Efficiency Fund. This charge will be reviewed and adjusted periodically as necessary to meet funding needs, to comply with applicable State of Connecticut legislative requirements and to reflect all applicable taxes. MINIMUM CHARGE: All active electric accounts having no electricity use charges will be billed a minimum charge. This minimum charge covers costs associated with service requirements, including metering, maintenance and infrastructure costs. LATE CHARGE FEE: A penalty charge equal to 1.5% of the unpaid balance compounded monthly is added to all bills not paid within 25 days of the billing date. Rate per kWh kWh Per Light Part of Your Community Part of Your Life ELECTRIC GENERAL CITY USE - RATE EGC AVAILABILITY: Available only to the City of Norwich and its Utility Departments for all uses except street and traffic lights. RATE: All kWh = 0.08615 per kWh PURCHASED POWER ADJUSTMENT: The Purchased Power Adjustment Rate will be applied to all kWh billed. ENERGY EFFICIENCY FUND: A charge will be applied to all billed kWh consumption to recover the costs of investment in renewable energy resources and energy efficiency and load reduction initiatives through the NPU Energy Efficiency Fund. 0.25135 0.20260 0.18027 0.12614 0.10991 0.19846 0.16163 0.12651 0.10930 0.10606 0.09197 29 42 62 106 163 43 77 105 161 288 411 ELECTRIC STATE TRAFFIC LIGHTS AND UNMETERED SERVICES - RATE ESTL AVAILABILITY: Available to the State of Connecticut for traffic lights and other unmetered services. RATE: All kWh = 0.12695 per kWh PURCHASED POWER ADJUSTMENT: The Purchased Power Adjustment Rate will be applied to all kWh billed. ENERGY EFFICIENCY FUND: A charge will be applied to all billed kWh consumption to recover the costs of investment in renewable energy resources and energy efficiency and load reduction initiatives through the NPU Energy Efficiency Fund. Electric Rates 16 South Golden St. Norwich Connecticut 06360 (860) 887-2555 Rates in effect May 1, 2007 www.norwichpublicutilities.com ELECTRIC CITY TRAFFIC LIGHTS - RATE ECTL AVAILABILITY: Available only to the City of Norwich for traffic lights. RATE: All kWh = 0.09487 per kWh PURCHASED POWER ADJUSTMENT: The Purchased Power Adjustment Rate will be applied to all kWh billed. ENERGY EFFICIENCY FUND: A charge will be applied to all billed kWh consumption to recover the costs of investment in renewable energy resources and energy efficiency and load reduction initiatives through the NPU Energy Efficiency Fund. EFFECTIVE: For bills rendered on and after May 1, 2007  ELECTRIC RESIDENTIAL SERVICE - RATE ERES AVAILABILITY: Single-phase electric service for all year-round use in the dwelling and associated equipment of a single private family for its household requirements. RATE: Customer Charge, Per Month ELECTRICITY USED : First 1,000 kWh per Month All over 1,000 kWh per Month = 7.14 @ 0.09738 per kWh @ 0.08728 per kWh ELECTRIC COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL (Non-Manufacturers)- RATE EC AVAILABILITY: Available to Commercial and Industrial customers for lighting, heating, cooling, refrigeration and power uses, where distribution facilities are suitable for the service requested and where the load exceeds 10 kW. RATE: DEMAND CHARGE: Minimum Charge First 10 kW All excess kW demand ELECTRICITY USED: First 150 kWh per kW of billing demand requirements per month All excess kWh DETERMINATION OF THE DEMAND REQUIREMENTS: The demand charge will be based on the greatest 15-minute kW demand requirement within the current billing month measured by suitable demand metering devices or as otherwise determined by the Utility, but not less than 80% of the highest demand measured in the 11 months prior to the billing month, nor less than 10 kW. ELECTRIC LARGE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL (Non-Manufacturers) - RATE EP = 50.40 @ 5.04 per kW @ 0.09020 per kWh @ 0.07056 per kWh AVAILABILITY: Available to large Industrial or Commercial customers with an actual demand of 100 KVA or larger for power, lighting, heating, refrigeration and cooling uses, where distribution facilities are suitable for the service requested. RATE: DEMAND CHARGE: For any part of the first 100 KVA demand requirements per month For all excess KVA demand requirements per month ELECTRICITY USED: First 250 kWh per KVA of billing demand requirements per month All excess kWh PURCHASED POWER ADJUSTMENT: The Purchased Power Adjustment Rate will be applied to all kWh billed. ENERGY EFFICIENCY FUND: A charge will be applied to all billed kWh consumption to recover the costs of investment in renewable energy resources and energy efficiency and load reduction initiatives through the NPU Energy Efficiency Fund. MINIMUM CHARGE: The minimum charge is the customer charge of 7.14 per month. PURCHASED POWER ADJUSTMENT: The Purchased Power Adjustment Rate (EPP) will be applied to all kilowatt hours billed. ENERGY EFFICIENCY FUND: A charge will be applied to all billed kWh consumption to recover the costs of investment in renewable energy resources and energy efficiency and load reduction initiatives through the NPU Energy Efficiency Fund. MINIMUM CHARGE: The minimum charge is the minimum demand charge of 50.40 per month. PRIMARY METERING: Where the service is metered at the Utilities primary voltage, all kWh readings will be reduced by 2% to obtain billing quantities. DETERMINATION OF THE DEMAND REQUIREMENTS: The demand charge will be based on the greatest 15-minute kW demand requirement within the current billing month measured by suitable demand metering devices or as otherwise determined by the Utility, but not less than 80% of the highest demand measured in the 11 months prior to the billing month, nor less than 10 kW. = 609.00 @ 6.09 per KVA @ 0.07087 per kWh @ 0.04570 per kWh ELECTRIC SMALL COMMERCIAL (Non-Manufacturers)- RATE ESC AVAILABILITY: Available to Commercial and Industrial customers and Houses of Worship for lighting, heating, cooling, refrigeration, and power uses, where distribution facilities are suitable for the service requested, and where the load does not exceed 10 kW as measured or as otherwise determined by the Utility. For Houses of Worship only, the demand may exceed 10 kW. RATE: Customer Charge, Per Month ELECTRICITY USED: First 750 kWh Per Month All over 750 kWh Per Month = 8.72 @ 0.11470 per kWh @ 0.10577 per kWh PURCHASED POWER ADJUSTMENT: The Purchased Power Adjustment Rate will be applied to all kWh billed. ENERGY EFFICIENCY FUND: A charge will be applied to all billed kWh consumption to recover the costs of investment in renewable energy resources and energy efficiency and load reduction initiatives through the NPU Energy Efficiency Fund. MINIMUM CHARGE: The minimum charge is the minimum demand charge of 609.00 per month. PRIMARY METERING: Where the service is metered at the Utilities primary voltage, all kWh readings will be reduced by 2% to obtain billing quantities. DETERMINATION OF THE DEMAND REQUIREMENTS: The demand charge will   ");
array_files[14]=new Array(0,4,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/pdfs/notice-march2007.pdf","2007-08-01","134K"," LEGAL NOTICE Electric Rates","","","NORWICH PUBLIC UTILITIES At its regular meeting held on March 27, 2007, the City of Norwich Board of Public Utilities Commissioners approved the following electric rates and fees. The proposed rates and fees were the subject of a public hearing held on February 27, 2007 and were filed with the City Clerk on March 28, 2007. Rates and Fees will become effective on May 1, 2007. NORWICH PUBLIC UTILITIES ELECTRIC SERVICE RATES ELECTRIC RESIDENTIAL SERVICE - RATE ERES AVAILABILITY: Single-phase electric service for all year-round use in the dwelling and associated equipment of a single private family for its household requirements. RATE: Customer Charge, Per Month = 7.14 Electricity Used: First 1,000 kWh per Month @ 0.09738 per kWh All over 1,000 kWh per Month @ 0.08728 per kWh PURCHASED POWER ADJUSTMENT: The Purchased Power Adjustment Rate will be applied to all kWh billed. ENERGY EFFICIENCY FUND A charge will be applied to all billed kWh consumption to recover the costs of investment in renewable energy resources and energy efficiency and load reduction initiatives through the NPU Energy Efficiency Fund. MINIMUM CHARGE: The minimum charge is the customer charge of 7.14 per month. ELECTRIC SMALL COMMERCIAL (Non-Manufacturers) - RATE ESC AVAILABILITY: Available to Commercial and Industrial customers and Houses of Worship for lighting, heating, cooling, refrigeration, and power uses, where distribution facilities are suitable for the service requested, and where the load does not exceed 10 kW as measured or as otherwise determined by the Utility. For Houses of Worship only, the demand may exceed 10 kW. RATE: Customer Charge, Per Month = 8.72 Electricity Used: First 750 kWh Per Month @ 0.11470 per kWh All over 750 kWh Per Month @ 0.10577 per kWh PURCHASED POWER ADJUSTMENT: The Purchased Power Adjustment Rate will be applied to all kWh billed. ENERGY EFFICIENCY FUND: A charge will be applied to all billed kWh consumption to recover the costs of investment in renewable energy resources and energy efficiency and load reduction initiatives through the NPU Energy Efficiency Fund.  MINIMUM CHARGE: The minimum charge is the customer charge of 8.72 per month. ELECTRIC SMALL COMMERCIAL (Manufacturers) - RATE ESCGRC AVAILABILITY: Available to Commercial and Industrial customers classified as Manufacturers under applicable State Law where distribution facilities are suitable for the service requested, and where the load does not exceed 10 kW as measured or as otherwise determined by the Utility. RATE: Customer Charge, Per Month = 7.98 Electricity Used: First 750 kWh Per Month @ 0.11075 per kWh All over 750 kWh Per Month @ 0.10258 per kWh PURCHASED POWER ADJUSTMENT: The Purchased Power Adjustment Rate will be applied to all kWh billed. ENERGY EFFICIENCY FUND: A charge will be applied to all billed kWh consumption to recover the costs of investment in renewable energy resources and energy efficiency and load reduction initiatives through the NPU Energy Efficiency Fund. MINIMUM CHARGE: The minimum charge is the customer charge of 7.98 per month. ELECTRIC COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL (Non-Manufacturers) RATE EC AVAILABILITY: Available to Commercial and Industrial customers for lighting, heating, cooling, refrigeration and power uses, where distribution facilities are suitable for the service requested and where the load exceeds 10 kW. RATE: Demand Charge: Minimum Charge First 10 kW = 50.40 All excess kW demand @ 5.04 per kW Electricity Used: First 150 kWh per kW of billing demand requirements per month @ 0.09020 per kWh All excess kWh @ 0.07056 per kWh PURCHASED POWER ADJUSTMENT: The Purchased Power Adjustment Rate will be applied to all kWh billed. ENERGY EFFICIENCY FUND: A charge will be applied to all billed kWh consumption to recover the costs of investment in renewable energy resources and energy efficiency and load reduction initiatives through the NPU Energy Efficiency Fund. MINIMUM CHARGE: The minimum charge is the minimum demand charge of 50.40 per month. PRIMARY METERING: Where the service is metered at the Utilities primary voltage, all kWh readings will be reduced by 2% to obtain billing quantities.  DETERMINATION OF THE DEMAND REQUIREMENTS: The demand charge will be based on the greatest 15-minute kW demand requirement within the current billing month measured by suitable demand metering devices or as otherwise determined by the Utility, but not less than 80% of the highest demand measured in the 11 months prior to the billing month, nor less than 10 kW. ELECTRIC COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL (Manufacturers) RATE ECGRC AVAILABILITY: Available to Commercial and Industrial customers classified as Manufacturers under applicable State Law where distribution facilities are suitable for the service requested and where the load exceeds 10 kW. RATE: Demand Charge: Minimum Charge First 10 kW = 50.40 All excess kW demand @ 5.04 per kW Electricity Used: First 150 kWh per kW of billing demand requirements per month @ 0.08815 per kWh All excess kWh @ 0.06895 per kWh PURCHASED POWER ADJUSTMENT: The Purchased Power Adjustment Rate will be applied to all kWh billed. ENERGY EFFICIENCY FUND: A charge will be applied to all billed kWh consumption to recover the costs of investment in renewable energy resources and energy efficiency and load reduction initiatives through the NPU Energy Efficiency Fund. MINIMUM CHARGE: The minimum charge is the minimum demand charge of 50.40 per month. PRIMARY METERING: Where the service is metered at the Utilities primary voltage, all kWh readings will be reduced by 2% to obtain billing quantities. DETERMINATION OF THE DEMAND REQUIREMENTS: The demand charge will be based on the greatest 15-minute kW demand requirement within the current billing month measured by suitable demand metering devices or as otherwise determined by the Utility, but not less than 80% of the highest demand measured in the 11 months prior to the billing month, nor less than 10 kW. ELECTRIC LARGE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL (Non-Manufacturers) RATE EP AVAILABILITY: Available to large Industrial or Commercial customers with an actual demand of 100 KVA or larger for power, lighting, heating, refrigeration and cooling uses, where distribution facilities are suitable for the service requested. RATE: Demand Charge: For any part of the first 100 KVA demand requirements per month = 609.00 For all excess KVA demand requirements per month @ 6.09 per KVA Electricity Used: First 250 kWh per KVA of billing demand requirements per month @ 0.07087 per kWh All excess kWh @ 0.04570 per kWh  PURCHASED POWER ADJUSTMENT: The Purchased Power Adjustment Rate will be applied to all kWh billed. ENERGY EFFICIENCY FUND: A charge will be applied to all billed kWh consumption to recover the costs of investment in renewable energy resources and energy efficiency and load reduction initiatives through the NPU Energy Efficiency Fund. MINIMUM CHARGE: The minimum charge is the minimum demand charge of 609.00 per month. PRIMARY METERING: Where the service is metered at the Utilities primary voltage, all kWh readings will be reduced by 2% to obtain billing quantities. DETERMINATION OF THE DEMAND REQUIREMENTS: The demand charge will be based on the greatest 15-minute KVA demand requirement within the current billing month measured by suitable demand metering devices or as otherwise determined by the Utility, but not less than 80% of the highest demand measured in the 11 months prior to the billing month, nor less than 100 KVA. FACILITIES OWNERSHIP DISCOUNT: If the service is taken at primary distribution voltage and Norwich Public Utilities is relieved of installing the service transformers and substation equipment, except the metering equipment, a credit shall be applied to the bill equal to 0.41530 per KVA of demand requirements. ELECRIC LARGE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL (Manufacturers) RATE EPGRC AVAILABILITY: Available to large Industrial or Commercial customers classified as Manufacturers under applicable State Law with an actual demand of 100 KVA or larger for power, lighting, heating, refrigeration and cooling uses, where distribution facilities are suitable for the service requested. RATE: Demand Charge: For any part of the first 100 KVA demand requirements per month = 609.00 For all excess KVA demand requirements per month @ 6.09 per KVA Electricity Used: First 250 kWh per KVA of billing demand requirements per month@ 0.07075 per kWh All excess kWh @ 0.04562 per kWh PURCHASED POWER ADJUSTMENT: The Purchased Power Adjustment Rate will be applied to all kilowatt hours billed. ENERGY EFFICIENCY FUND: A charge will be applied to all billed kWh consumption to recover the costs of investment in renewable energy resources and energy efficiency and load reduction initiatives through the NPU Energy Efficiency Fund. MINIMUM CHARGE: The minimum charge is the minimum demand charge of 609.00 per month. PRIMARY METERING: Where the service is metered at the Utilities primary voltage, all kilowatt hour readings will be reduced by 2% to obtain billing quantities. DETERMINATION OF THE DEMAND REQUIREMENTS: The demand charge will be based on the greatest 15-minute KVA demand requirement within the current billing month measured by suitable demand metering devices or as otherwise determined by the Utility, but not less than 80% of the highest demand measured in the 11 months  prior to the billing month, nor less than 100 KVA. FACILITIES OWNERSHIP DISCOUNT: If the service is taken at primary distribution voltage and Norwich Public Utilities is relieved of installing the service transformers and substation equipment, except the metering equipment, a credit shall be applied to the bill equal to 0.38000 per KVA of demand requirements. ELECTRIC GENERAL CITY USE - RATE EGC AVAILABILITY: Available only to the City of Norwich and its Utility Departments for all uses except street and traffic lights. RATE: All kWh = 0.08615 per kWh PURCHASED POWER ADJUSTMENT: The Purchased Power Adjustment Rate will be applied to all kWh billed. ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND LOAD MANAGEMENT FUND: A charge will be applied to all billed kWh consumption to recover the costs of investment in renewable energy resources and energy efficiency and load reduction in  ");
array_files[15]=new Array(0,4,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/pdfs/collection-policy061506.pdf","2007-08-01","160K"," NPU Collection Process Changes","","","*** Important Customer Notification *** As energy prices continue to escalate with no sign of relief in sight, Norwich Public Utilities continues to evaluate its policies and practices to insure that your costs remain as low as possible. One area that we are strengthening is our approach to dealing with delinquent accounts. Effective June 15, 2006, there will be changes to our collections policy. Our goal is to ensure that business and residential customers who pay their bills are not negatively affected by those who dont. If you are a customer who pays your utility bill upon receipt or no later than the penalty date each month, this change will not affect you. If you are a customer who pays after the penalty date listed on your bill you may receive a shutoff notice. Please keep in mind that these notices are electronically generated based on the age of the account balance and do not differentiate between customers who customarily pay and those who do not. In order to insure that you do not receive a shut off notice, please pay your Norwich Public Utilities account prior to the penalty date on your bill. We are confident that these changes will help cut costs for our customers. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our customer service department at (860) 887-2555. John Bilda General Manager NPU Collection Process Changes The following changes will go into effect on June 15, 2006: All Customers · Customer accounts are considered delinquent and eligible for service termination after one (1) utility bill remains unpaid. A light orange notice will be sent to account holders who are scheduled to have their services shut off thirteen (13) days in advance of the disconnect date. Residential Customers · All new customers will be subject to a security deposit based upon their personal credit rating. New customers with a good credit rating will be charged a lesser or no deposit. In the event that an existing customer demonstrates a poor payment history and is shut off for non-payment, a security deposit will also be charged before service is reinstated. Commercial Customers · All commercial customers have the option of providing either a cash deposit with a personal guarantee or surety bond as security for services to be provided. Cash Deposits and surety bonds will be reviewed and adjusted on an annual basis to match actual usage. All changes to our collections policies remain in compliance with the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control regulations 16-3-100.  ");
array_files[16]=new Array(0,4,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/pdfs/appliance-rebate-07.pdf","2007-08-01","420K"," Applicance Mail-In Rebate","","","ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances save energy, money, and help protect the environment. Join the national effort to help use energy wisely. Buy appliances that have earned the ENERGY STAR. Only products delivering the highest level of energy efficiency are awarded the ENERGY STAR from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. ENERGY STAR qualified appliances; why its important: Saving energy also saves money. By using energy-efficient products, the average household can save up to 400 per year on utility bills.(Savings are estimated. Actual savings may vary.) The U.S. EPA says that if just 10% of us used Energy Star appliances, it would be the carbon dioxide pollution reduction equivalent of planting 1.7 million acres of new trees. 60off up to By choosing ENERGY STAR qualified products you save money, energy and help protect the environment for generations to come. Save BIG. ENERGY STAR® Qualified Appliances: Refrigerators · Dishwashers Washing Machines · Electric Water Heaters Norwich Public Utilities Customers Only Look for the ENERGY STAR. For more information on ENERGY STAR qualified products and energy efficiency, visit www.energystar.gov For questions contact: Norwich Public Utilities (860) 887-2555 www.norwichpublicutilities.com communitymatters@npumail.com Mail-in Rebate An energy efficiency offer provided by:  Qualifying appliances must be Energy Star rated Appliance Type: refrigerator n n n # purchashed total rebate ____________ X 60 = _________ top mount freezer n bottom mount freezer side-by-side n through-the-door ice maker n cubic feet of freezer n dishwasher ____________ X 60 = _________ clothes washer ____________ X 60 = _________ -front loader n clothes washer ____________ X 30 = _________ -top loader n water heater ____________ X 60 = _________ must meet these energy factors: n 59 gallon or less tank must have a .93 or greater energy factor 60 gallon or greater tank must have a .91 or greater energy factor The ENERGY STAR Mail-in Rebate. ® Get up to 60 back from Norwich Public Utilities on each purchase of an eligible ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator, dishwasher, electric water heater or clothes washer. This rebate is good for purchases made from January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2008. To receive your rebate: 1) Fill out this form completely. 2) Enclose a copy of your dated sales receipt and recent electric bill. 3) Mail it to the address below. Incomplete information may delay or disqualify your rebate. All rebate requests must be postmarked no later than December 31, 2008. Installation address: Account # ______________________________________________ Mfr. and Model # of listed ENERGY STAR qualified appliances purchased ______________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ Name and address of store where appliance was purchased _______________________________________________________ Purchase Price _____________ Purchase Date_____________ Disclaimer: Rebate offer can cease or be modified at any time without prior notice. Mail to: Norwich Public Utilities- Appliance Rebate c/o CMEEC 30 Stott Avenue, Norwich, CT 06360 (Please DO NOT include rebate coupon with utility bill payment.) Please fill out completely. All information below is required. Congratulations on your decision to buy an ENERGY STAR qualified appliance. Its good for you, your family, and the environment. Your Name_________________________________________________ Installation Address_________________________________________ City____________________________ ,CT Zip____________________ Phone_______________________________________________ Mailing Address (if different)_________________________________ City________________________State____Zip____________________ Email ______________________________________________________ Thank you! This rebate offer is available to all customers of Norwich Public Utilities. Eligible appliances must be installed at a location of the Norwich Public Utilities. Valid for purchases made from January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2008. All rebate requests must be postmarked no later than December 31, 2008. Norwich Public Utilities reserve the right to conduct field inspections to verify installations. Limitation of liability: the Connecticut municipal electric utilities do not guarantee the performance of installed equipment expressly or implicitly.  ");
array_files[17]=new Array(0,4,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/pdfs/app-MotorUp.pdf","2007-08-01","62K"," Motor Up Application","","","Connecticut Municipal Motor Up 860-887-2555 Company Name: Address: Mailing Address: Phone: CUSTOMER INFORMATION Contact: State: State: Fax: E-Mail: Zip: Zip: NPU Account Number: Federal ID Number By signing below, customer agrees to the conditions as stated on the back of this application and to any special requirements. Incorporated? K Yes K No K Exempt Customer Signature:___________________________________________________ Date: _________________________ CONTRACTOR INFORMATION Company Name: Address: Mailing Address: Contact: State: E-Mail: State: Zip: Zip: Federal ID Number: By signing below, contractor agrees to the conditions as stated on the back of this application and to any special requirements. Phone: Fax: Contractor Signature:___________________________________________________ Date: _________________________ · · · · Read Initiative Requirements on the reverse side of this application Fill out all applicable spaces on this side of the application. Incentive payment will be offered to customer by check. Both the customer and contractor must sign the application. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS · · Attach invoice and manufacturer s specification sheet with equipment make, model, size and ARI efficiency rating. Send all documentation to Norwich Public Utilities c/o CMEEC at 30 Stott Ave., Norwich, CT 06360. Example Reason N=New F=Failed S=Stocked F Manufacturer ODP or TEFC TEFC Model No. Function (Fan, Pump, Process, Other) HVAC Pump Location (Bldg/Rm) MOTOR INFORMATION Size (HP) 30 Speed (RPM) 1800 NEMA Nominal Efficiency (%) 93.6 Annual Run Hours (2000 min) 4400 Rebate Per Motor (See Table) 150 Qty Requested Rebate 150 Acme RR/C157 Mech. Rm #4 1 Rebate Total: ______________ For Administrative Use Only: Project ID: Required Inspections: Approvals: Measure Information: Please review Eligibility Requirements on reverse. Include Invoices, product specification sheets and other documents Approved Rebate: Approving Program Manager: Database Id No.: Pre-Inspection Date: Pre-Approval Date: Post-Inspection Date: Final Approval Date: Inspector: Inspector: Program Manager: Program Manager: Pre-Approved Rebate: Final Rebate:  Rebates will be provided for the installation of new premium-efficiency, 1-200 HP open drip proof (ODP) or totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) 1200, 1800 or 3600 RPM motors. All other applications must be submitted as custom measures. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS PREMIUM-EFFICIENCY MOTOR REBATES -- OPEN DRIP-PROOF 1200 RPM 82.5% 86.5% 1800 RPM 85.5% 86.5% 3600 RPM 77.0% 84.0% Rebate 45 45 Size (HP) 1 1.5 87.5% 86.5% 85.5% 54 2 88.5% 89.5% 90.2% 91.7% 91.7% 92.4% 89.5% 89.5% 91.0% 91.7% 93.0% 93.6% 85.5% 86.5% 88.5% 89.5% 90.2% 91.0% 54 54 81 90 104 113 3 5 7.5 10 NEMA NOMINAL EFFICIENCY 15 20 25 30 93.0% 93.6% 94.1% 94.1% 91.7% 91.7% 117 135 94.1% 94.1% 94.5% 94.5% 94.1% 94.5% 95.0% 95.0% 92.4% 93.0% 93.6% 93.6% 162 198 234 270 40 50 60 75 95.0% 95.0% 95.4% 95.4% 95.4% 95.4% 95.8% 95.8% 93.6% 94.1% 94.1% 95.0% 100 125 150 200 360 540 630 630 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS 1200 RPM 82.5% 87.5% 1800 RPM 85.5% 86.5% 3600 RPM 77.0% 84.0% Rebate 50 50 Size (HP) 1 1.5 88.5% 86.5% 85.5% 60 2 89.5% 89.5% 91.0% 91.0% 91.7% 91.7% 89.5% 89.5% 91.7% 91.7% 92.4% 93.0% 86.5% 88.5% 89.5% 90.2% 91.0% 91.0% 60 60 90 100 115 125 3 5 7.5 10 NEMA NOMINAL EFFICIENCY 15 20 25 30 93.0% 93.0% 93.6% 93.6% 91.7% 91.7% 130 150 94.1% 94.1% 94.5% 94.5% 94.1% 94.5% 95.0% 95.4% 92.4% 93.0% 93.6% 93.6% 180 220 260 300 40 50 60 75 95.0% 95.0% 95.8% 95.8% 95.4% 95.4% 95.8% 96.2% 94.1% 95.0% 95.0% 95.4% 400 600 700 700 100 125 150 200 Application Offer: This Initiative covers products purchased and installed or placed into stock on or after January 1, 2007. Details of this rebate program, including rebate levels, are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice. Contact your utility for the latest program details. This application, with required documentation, must be received by December 31, 2008. Motor project/savings may not be claimed under any other program. Call 860-887-2555 for additional initiative details. Completed and signed applications must be submitted within 30 days of the equipment installation to be eligible for Rebates. TERMS AND CONDITIONS Tax Liability: Norwich Public Utilities will not be responsible for any tax liability that may be imposed on the customer as a result of the payment of rebates. All customers must supply their Federal Tax Identification number or Social Security number and a completed and signed W-9 form in order to receive a Rebate. Endorsement: Norwich Public Utilities does not endorse any particular manufacturer, product or system design in promoting this program. Eligibility: Rebates are available to industrial, commercial, institutional and agricultural electric services customers. Motors must be installed or stocked in the Norwich Public Utilities service territory. Motors covered by this program must be new, induction motors, NEMA Design A & B, 1 ­ 200 HP, ODP or TEFC, 1200, 1800, or 3600 RPM. Other motors may be eligible for rebate under other programs. Please contact 860-877-2555 for additional information. Proof of Purchase: A sales slip itemizing the new equipment purchased must accompany each incentive application form. The proof of purchase must indicate type, size, make, and model number of the motor, as well as the date purchased. Limitation of Liability: NORWICH PUBLIC UTILITIES DOES NOT WARRANT THE PERFORMANCE OF INSTALLED EQUIPMENT, EXPRESSLY OR IMPLICITILY. Rotational speed differences between premium and EPACT motors can affect savings or performance. Contact your electrical contractor for details regarding equipment performance and warranties. The liability of Norwich Public Utilities is limited to paying the Rebate specified. The participating municipal electric utility is not liable for any consequential or incidental damages or for any damages in tort connected with or resulting from participation in this rebate program Owner s Certification: Owner certifies that he/she has purchased and installed the equipment listed above at the defined location. Owner agrees that all information is true and that he/she conformed to all equipment requirements listed. Owner has verified that the motors listed above have been installed correctly. Application Form: This application must be filled out completely, truthfully and accurately. An authorized representative of the c u s tomer must sign, date, and submit the application along with an itemized proof of purchase or invoice. The efficiency information provided should be the NEMA nominal-efficiency rating from the motor name-plate. Efficiencies are to be full-load nominal efficiencies tested in accordance with IEEE Standard 112, Test Method B. Payment: Please allow 30 days for payment or account credit. Payment process may take longer if information is missing on application. Call 860-887-2555 for details. Approval and Verification: Pre-approval from Norwich Public Utilities is required if the rebate is greater than 5,000. Norwich Public Utilities reserves the right to verify sales transactions and to inspect the motor installed or stocked under this program prior to issuing rebates, or at a later time, for monitoring and evaluation purposes. ISO-NE Capacity Payments: By signing this document, and as a condition for receiving a rebate pursuant to this program, Customer hereby assigns to Norwich Public Utility, whichever the case may be, all of its rights, title and interest in and to any and all LICAP, ICAP, or any and all other capacity-related credits or payments for which Customer may be eligible from ISO-NE or such value associated with the settlement of such LICAP, ICAP, or capacity payments as determined through the ISO-NE LICAP, ICAP, or other such like capacity supply auction or market (or its successors or replacements) for any capacity enrolled with ISO-NE.  ");
array_files[18]=new Array(0,4,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/pdfs/app-CoolChoice.pdf","2007-08-01","65K"," Air Conditioning Rebate Program Application","","","Connecticut Municipal Cool Choice 860-887-2555 CUSTOMER INFORMATION Company Name: Address: Mailing Address: NPU Account Number: Phone: Federal ID Number Fax: E-Mail: Incorporated? By signing below, customer agrees to the conditions as stated on the back of this application and to any special requirements. Contact: State: State: Zip: Zip: K Yes K No K Exempt Customer Signature:___________________________________________________ Date: _________________________ CONTRACTOR INFORMATION Company Name: Address: Mailing Address: Federal ID Number: Phone: Fax: E-Mail: Contact: State: State: Zip: Zip: By signing below, contractor agrees to the conditions as stated on the back of this application and to any special requirements. Contractor Signature:___________________________________________________ Date: _________________________ · · · · APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS Attach invoice and manufacturer s specification sheet with equipment made, model, size and ARI efficiency rating. Fill out all applicable spaces on this side of the application. Incentive payment will be offered to customer by check Read Initiative Requirements on the reverse side of this application · · · Any dual enthalpy economizer controls eligible for a rebate must be specified on the supplied invoice. Send all documentation to Norwich Public Utilities c/o CMEEC at 30 Stott Ave., Norwich, CT 06360. Both the customer and contractor must sign the application. Reason N = New R= Replacement Equipment S=Split U=Unitary H=Heat Pump Manufacturer & Model No HVAC AND DUAL ENTHALPY ECONOMIZER CONTROL Unit Size (Tons) A Example N Unit Efficiency (SEER/EER) B Rebate /Ton (See Table) C Qty D 2 HVAC Rebate (A?C?D) E 250/Control F Econ Control Qty G 1 U Acme, HV1011 10 11.5 100 10x100x2=2,000 250 250x1= 250 Controls Rebate (F?G) H Total Rebate (E+H) I 2,000+250=2,250 Rebate Total: ______________ For Administrative Use Only: Project ID: Required Inspections: Approvals: Measure Information: Please review Eligibility Requirements on reverse. Include Invoices, product specification sheets and other documents Approved Rebate: Approving Program Manager: Database Id No.: Pre-Inspection Date: Pre-Approval Date: Post-Inspection Date: Final Approval Date: Inspector: Inspector: Program Manager: Program Manager: Pre-Approved Rebate: Final Rebate:  Unitary & Split System HVAC Equipment Tons Size BTUs ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS 2007 Tier 1 Minimum Qualifying SEER/EER 14.0 SEER 11.5 EER 11.5 EER Rebate /Ton 100 70 100 2007 Tier 2 Minimum Qualifying SEER/EER 15.0 SEER 12.0 EER 12.0 EER 10.5 EER Rebate /Ton 150 120 200  5.4 to  11.25  11.25 to  20  20 to 30  5.4  135 to  240M  240 to 375M  65 to  135M  65,000 10.0 EER 100 150 · Dual enthalpy economizer controls are eligible for 250 per unit rebate. HVAC CONTROLS · Rebates for economizer controls available only when installed with new qualifying HVAC units. · Rebates for controls applicable for Unitary Systems only and must have electric air conditioning. Air Source Heat Pump Equipment Tons  5.4  5.4 to 20.0  20 to 30 Size BTUs  65,000  65 to  240M  240 to 375 M ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Type Minimum Qualifying SEER/ EER/ HSPF 14.0 SEER & 8.5 HSPF 14.0 SEER & 8.0 HSPF 10.0 EER Minimum Qualifying EER 14.0 11.5 EER 2007 Tier 1 Rebate /Ton 100 100 100 70 Minimum Qualifying SEER/EER/ HSPF 2007 Tier 2 Rebate /Ton 200 200 120 150 Split System Single Pkg All All 15.0 SEER & 9.0 HSPF 15.0 SEER & 8.5 HSPF 10.5 EER 12.0 EER Water Source Heat Pump Equipment Tons 20 240,000 BTUs ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Rebate /Ton 150 Application Offer: This Initiative covers products purchased on or after January 1, 2007. Details of this Initiative, including Rebate levels, are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice. This application form with required documentation must be received by December 31, 2008. Call 860-887-2555 for additional Initiative details. Completed and signed applications must be submitted within 30 days of the equipment installation to be eligible for Rebates. INITIATIVE REQUIREMENTS Security number and a completed and signed W-9 form in order to receive a Rebate. Eligibility: Rebates are available to residential, industrial, commercial, institutional and agricultural electric services customers. Equipment must be installed in the Norwich Public Utilities service territory. Eligible systems are: electric heat pumps, single packaged units, split systems (split systems must meet ARI specifications) and dual enthalpy economizer controls when installed with new, qualifying equipment. Proof of Purchase: An invoice itemizing the purchased equipment must accompany each Rebate application form. The invoice copy must indicate the equipment type, size, make and model, serial number of the system and date of purchase. Application Form: This application must be filled out completely, truthfully and accurately. An authorized representative of the customer must sign, date, and submit the application along with the invoice, and manufacturer s equipment performance sheet stating the ARI certified efficiency rating and nominal capacity. Limitations of Liability: The liability of your participating municipal electric utility is limited to paying the Rebate specified. The participating municipal electric utility is not liable for any consequential or incidental damages or for any damages in tort connected with or resulting from participation in this Initiative. Warranties: NORWICH PUBLIC UTILITIES DOES NOT WARRANT THE PERFORMANCE OF INSTALLED EQUIPMENT, EXPRESSLY OR IMPLICITLY. The participating municipal utility makes no warranties or representation of any kind, whether statutory, expressed or implied, including, without limitations, warranties of merchantability or fitness for particular purpose regarding the unitary HVAC equipment or services provided by a manufacturer or vendor. Contact your contractor for details regarding equipment performance and warranties. Assignment: The customer may assign the Rebate payment to a q u a l i fied contractor. Owner s Certification: Owner certifies that he/she has purchased and installed the equipment listed above at the defined location. Owner agrees that all information is true and that he/she conformed to all Initiative and Eligibility requirements listed. Owner has verified that the units listed above have been installed correctly. There are no unusual noises or vibrations and all controls have been calibrated. Owner or owner s representative has been instructed on how to operate and maintain this equipment and has received all the necessary operation and maintenance manuals. Owner has verified that any applicable air-system and water balancing has been performed. ISO-NE Capacity Payments: By signing this document, and as a condition for receiving a rebate pursuant to this program, customer hereby assigns to Norwich Public Utilities, all of its rights, title and interest in and to any and all LICAP, ICAP, or any and all other capacity-related credits or payments for which customer may be eligible from ISO-NE or such value associated with the settlement of such LICAP, ICAP, or capacity payments as determined through the ISO-NE LICAP, ICAP, or other such like capacity supply auction or market (or its successors or replacements) for any capacity enrolled with ISO-NE. Payment: Please allow 30 days for payment. Payment process may take longer if information is missing on application. Call 860-887-2555 for details. Approval and Verification: Pre-approval from Norwich Public Utilities will be required if the rebate total is greater than 5,000. Norwich Public Utilities reserves the right to verify sales transactions and to have reasonable access to your facility, to inspect the HVAC system installed under this Initiative, prior to issuing Rebates, or at a later time. Endorsement: Norwich Public Utilities does not endorse any particular manufacturer, product or system design in promoting this Initiative. Tax Liability: Norwich Public Utilities will not be responsible for any tax liability that may be imposed on the customer as a result of the payment of Rebates. All customers must supply their Federal Tax Identification number or Social  ");
array_files[19]=new Array(0,4,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/pdfs/NPU-WQ-Report-2005.pdf","2007-08-01","277K"," NPU Water Quality Report 2005","","","Water Quality Report Questions & Answers About Your Water W here does your water come from? The water supply for Norwich Public Utilities comes from the surface water of two reservoirs: the Deep River Reservoir in Colchester, and the Stony Brook Reservoir in Montville. We also have three backup supplies: the Fairview Reservoir, the Bog Meadow Reservoir and a well located in Yantic. These supplies serve our needs when unexpected events, such as a water main break, occur. How is this source water protected? Making sure source water does not become contaminated makes good public health sense, good economic sense, and good environmental sense.We vigilantly monitor the reservoirs and all activity on the land that surrounds them, watching for potential contamination of our supplies.Testing is handled by the following certified laboratories: · NPU Stony Brook Laboratory (#PH-0196) · NPU Deep River Laboratory (#PH-0449) · NPU Falls Avenue Laboratory (#PH-0453) · Complete Environmental Testing (#PH-0116) · State of Connecticut Laboratory Source water assessments conducted by the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health, in cooperation with the Department of Environmental Protection, our two reservoirs have a low susceptability to contamination. These reports can be found online at: www.dph.state.ct.us/BRS/Water/Source_ Protection/Assessments/Assessments.htm. How can you help? Heres how you can help protect drinking water and keep it safe: · Dispose of household chemicals properly · Help clean up the watershed that supplies your water · Attend public meetings about land use to make sure safe drinking water is considered. For more information go to: www.epa.gov/safewater/protect.html. The Norwich Public Utilities Board of Commissioners generally meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at 6 PM. These meetings are open to the public, and take place at 173 North Main Street in Norwich. If you have any questions about this report, contact us at 860-887-2555. How is the water distributed? In order to serve our 36,000 customers, approximately 1.9 billion gallons of water are treated each year -- that averages out to about 5.1 million gallons a day. Our storage tanks hold 9.3 million gallons of treated water which is delivered to your home through a 137-mile network of water main. We carefully maintain this system, using chlorine for disinfection, to ensure the water that comes out of your faucet is the same high quality water that leaves the treatment plant. As part of this maintenance, we flush the system twice a year to remove sediment and keep the water clear. Our distribution system is continuously tested all year; the results for 2005 appear inside. Introduction Norwich Public Utilities is proud to present our annual Water Quality Report for 2005.This report summarizes findings from tests of the drinking water we supply to our 36,000 customers in the towns of Norwich, Lisbon, Preston, Montville, Lebanon, Bozrah, and Franklin, Connecticut. During 2005, as in years past, the water we supply met all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state drinking water health standards. Our keen safeguarding of your water supply continues to be successful -- our water quality is superior to all government standards. Este informe contiene informacion muy importante sobre la calidad de su agua beber. Traduscalo o hable con alguien que lo entienda bien.  During 2005, as in years past, NPUs water met all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state drinking water health standards. Our keen safeguarding of your water supply continues to be successful -- our water quality is superior to all government standards. What improvements have been made during the last year? During the year, we placed the Yantic Lane water tank online. In doing so, the fire protection for that area has been improved. NPU is now in the process of analyzing its existing water system with an eye towards identifying those areas that are in need of fire protection improvements. We test our distribution system continuously throughout the year. Special Notes About Your Water Lead: Lead can enter drinking water as the result of corrosion of household plumbing systems or the erosion of natural deposits. Infants and children who drink water containing lead in excess of the action level could experience delays in their physical or mental development. Children could show slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities. Adults who drink this water over many years could develop kidney problems or high blood pressure. Lead is not detected in NPUs source water supplies. Copper: Copper can enter drinking water as the result of corrosion of household plumbing systems, the erosion or natural deposits or leaching from wood preservatives. Copper is an essential nutrient, but some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level over a relatively short amount of time could experience gastrointestinal distress. Some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level over many years could, suffer liver or kidney damage. People with Wilsons Disease should consult their personal doctor. Copper is not detected in NPUs source water supplies. Arsenic: Testing showed that arsenic was below the detected levels as per the new arsenic rules. EPAs standard balances the current understanding of arsenics possible health effects against the costs of removing arsenic from drinking water. EPA continues to research the health effects of low levels of arsenic, which is a mineral known to cause cancer in humans at high concentrations and is linked to other health effects such as skin damage and circulatory problems. Arsenic is not detected in NPUs source water supplies. Cryptosporidium and giardia: Cryptosporidium and giardia are parasites that can get into reservoir water through sewage and animal waste, causing intestinal illness. NPU uses all necessary means to protect its watershed from runoff from farming activity, waste discharge and recreational use. The are no reported cases of waterborne disease due to cryptosporidium or giardia in NPUs supplies.  Nitrate: Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue baby syndrome. Nitrate detected in NPUs source water supplies is well below the maximum contaminate level allowed by EPA. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/Centers for Disease Control guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791. What About People with Severely Compromised Immune Systems? Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. People with severely compromised immune systems, such as people with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, people who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. A Word About Contaminants in Drinking Water Drinking water -- including bottled water -- may contain at least small amounts of contaminants. However, the presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. EPA sets standards for approximately 90 contaminants in drinking water. EPAs standards, along with each contaminants likely source and health effects, are available at www.epa.gov/safewater/mcl.html. Contaminants and Their Possible Sources Microbial contaminants Viruses or bacteria from agricultural runoff, septic, sewage, or wildlife. Inorganic compounds Salt and metals that occur naturally or come from stormwater runoff, wastewater discharge, oil and gas production, mining and farming. Pesticides and herbicides Runoff resulting from residential, commercial and agricultural use. Organic chemical compounds Including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals from industrial byproducts, petroleum production, gas stations. Radioactive contaminants Oil and gas production, mining, and natural occurrences.  2 005 Treated Water Quality Table STONY BROOK RESERVOIR1 DEEP RIVER RESERVOIR2 NPU AVERAGE NPU RANGE OF RECORDED VALUES MAJOR SOURCES OF CONTAMINANT IN DRINKING WATER HIGHEST LEVEL ALLOWED BY EPA(MCL) EPAS GOALS (MCLG) NPU AVERAGE NPU RANGE OF RECORDED VALUES Contaminant (Units) INORGANIC COMPOUNDS Chloride (ppm) Copper (ppm) Fluoride (ppm) Sodium (ppm) Nitrate (ppm) Nitrite (ppm) MICROBIALS Turbidity (NTU) PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS Color (C.U.) Odor (TON) pH RADIOLOGICALS Alpha Emitters (pCi/L) DISINFECTION BYPRODUCT PRECURSORS Total Organic Carbon (ppm) TT TT 1.21 1.00 - 1.68 1.33 1.00 - 1.99 Naturally present in the environment 15 0 ND0.00 ND0.00 1.16 0.00 - 3.22 Erosion of natural deposits 15 2 7.0 - 10.0 none none none 0 0 7.8 0-3 0 7.3 - 8.5 0 0 7.8 0 0 7.3 - 9.0 1 none 0.17 0.04 - 0.47 0.05 0.04 - 0.20 Soil runoff 250 1.3 4 28 10.0 1.0 250 1.3 4 none 10.0 1.0 12 ND0.04 0.96 11 ND0.10 ND0.10 10 - 12 ND0.04 0.80 - 1.20 11 ND0.10 ND0.10 12 ND0.04 0.99 12 0.34 ND 0.10 11 - 12 ND0.04 0.80 - 1.15 12 0.26 - 0.41 ND 0.10 Runoff from road salt, natural deposits Corrosion of household plumbing Additive that promotes strong teeth Runoff from road salt, natural deposits Runoff from fertilizer Runoff from fertilizer 1 The following areas/towns are served by the Stony Brook Reservoir: Norwich (West Side and City District),Thamesville and part of Montville. 2 The following areas/towns are served by the Deep River Reservoir: Norwich (City District and East Side), Norwichtown, Greeneville, Taftville, Occum, Yantic, and part of Bozrah, Fitchville, Lebanon, Franklin, Preston and Lisbon. 2005 Distribution System Contaminant (Units) HIGHEST LEVEL ALLOWED BY EPA (MCL) EPAS GOALS (MCLG) NPU AVERAGE NPU RANGE OF RECORDED VALUES MAJOR SOURCES OF CONTAMINANT IN DRINKING WATER INORGANIC COMPOUNDS Lead (ppm) Copper (ppm) ORGANIC COMPOUNDS Total Trihalomethanes (ppb) Haloacetic acid (ppb) Chlorine 80 60 MRDL=4 0 0 MRDLG=4 19.9 26.7 0.76 19.0 - 68.0 12.0 - 36.0 0.20 - 2.80 By-p  ");
array_files[20]=new Array(0,4,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/pdfs/NPU-WQ-Report-06.pdf","2007-08-01","185K"," NPU Water Quality Report 2006","","","2 006 WATER QUALITY REPORT  orwich Public Utilities Board of Commissioners Stanley Israelite Alan Remondi James Sullivan Frank Demicco Diana Boisclair For more information There are many resources for more information about your drinking water: · NPUs Customer Service Center 860-887-2555; fax 860-823-4172, or visit www.norwichpublicutilities.com · Uncas Health District 860-823-1189 · Connecticut Department of Public Health Water Supplies Section 860-509-7333 · U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791 N  INTRODUCTION We are proud to present our Water Quality Report for 2006 which is a summary of results from tests of the drinking water we supply to our 36,000 customers in the towns of Norwich, Lisbon, Preston, Montville, Lebanon, Bozrah, and Franklin, Connecticut. This past year, we extended our record of success as the water we supply once again met all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state drinking water health standards. Our strict monitoring of your water supply continues to pay off with water quality that is superior to all government standards. Este informe contiene informacion muy importante sobre la calidad de su agua beber.Traduscalo o hable con alguien que lo entienda bien. Reservoir, and a well located in Yantic.These supplies serve our needs when unexpected events, such as a water main break, occur. For more information go to: www.epa.gov/safewater/protect.html. The Norwich Public Utilities Board of Commissioners generally meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at 6 PM.These meetings are open to the public, and take place at 173 North Main Street in Norwich. If you have any questions about this report, contact us at 860-887-2555. How is this source water protected? Making sure source water does not become contaminated makes good public health sense, good economic sense, and good environmental sense.We vigilantly monitor the reservoirs and all activity on the land that surrounds them, watching for potential contamination of our supplies.Testing is handled by the following certified laboratories: · NPU Stony Brook Laboratory (#PH-0196) · NPU Deep River Laboratory (#PH-0449) · NPU Falls Avenue Laboratory (#PH-0453) · Complete Environmental Testing (#PH-0116) · State of Connecticut Laboratory Source water assessments, conducted by the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health, in cooperation with the Department of Environmental Protection, on our two reservoirs have demonstrated a low susceptibility to contamination.These reports can be found online at: www.dph.state.ct.us/BRS/Water/Source_ Protection/Assessments/Assessments.htm. How is the water distributed? In order to serve our 36,000 customers, approximately 1.9 billion gallons of water are treated each year -- that averages out to about 5.1 million gallons a day. Our storage tanks hold 9.3 million gallons of treated water which is delivered to your home through a 137-mile network of water main. We carefully maintain this system, using chlorine for disinfection, to ensure the water that comes out of your faucet is the same high quality water that leaves the treatment plant. As part of this maintenance, we flush the system twice a year to remove sediment and keep the water clear. Our distribution system is continuously tested all year; the results for 2006 appear inside. What improvements have been made during the last year? NPU is now in the process of analyzing its existing water system with an eye towards identifying those areas that are in need of fire protection improvements.After conducting an extensive water leak survey of the entire distribution system, we were able to repair detected leaks and decrease system water loss by 7%. QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ABOUT YOUR WATER How can you help? Heres how you can help protect Where does your water come from? The water supply for Norwich Public Utilities drinking water and keep it safe: comes from the surface water of two reser· Dispose of household chemicals properly. voirs: the Deep River Reservoir in · Help clean up the watershed that Colchester, and the Stony Brook Reservoir supplies your water. in Montville. · Attend public meetings about land We also have three backup supplies: the use to make sure safe drinking water Fairview Reservoir, the Bog Meadow is considered.  SPECIAL NOTES ABOUT YOUR WATER Lead: Lead can enter drinking water as the result of corrosion of household plumbing systems or the erosion of natural deposits. Infants and children who drink water containing lead in excess of the action level could experience delays in their physical or mental development. Children could show slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities. Adults who drink this water over many years could develop kidney problems or high blood pressure. Lead is not detected in NPUs source water supplies. Copper: Copper can enter drinking water as the result of corrosion of household plumbing systems, the erosion or natural deposits or leaching from wood preservatives. Copper is an essential nutrient, but some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level over a relatively short amount of time could experience gastrointestinal distress. Some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level over many years could suffer liver or kidney damage. People with Wilsons Disease should consult their doctor. Copper is not detected in NPUs source water supplies. Arsenic: EPAs arsenic standard balances the current understanding of arsenics possible health effects against the costs of removing arsenic from drinking water. EPA continues to research the health effects of low levels of arsenic, which is a mineral known to cause cancer in humans at high concentrations and is linked to other health effects such as skin damage and circulatory problems. Arsenic is not detected in NPUs source water supplies. Cryptosporidium and giardia: Cryptosporidium and giardia are protozoan parasites which may cause nausea, vomiting, gastroenteritis, diarrhea and associated abdominal cramping, bloating, fatigue, anorexia, and weight loss. Cryptospordium contamination of a water supply is a significantly more serious problem among persons with HIV/AIDS or other immunosuppressive conditions, who may suffer chronic and debilitating diseases.These parasites can get into reservoir water through sewage and animal waste. NPU uses all necessary means to protect its watershed from runoff from farming activity, waste discharge and recreational use. The are no reported cases of waterborne disease due to cryptosporidium or giardia in NPUs supplies. Nitrate: Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue baby syndrome. Nitrate detected in NPUs source water supplies is well below the maximum contaminate level allowed by EPA. WHAT ABOUT PEOPLE WITH SEVERELY COMPROMISED IMMUNE SYSTEMS? Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. People with severely compromised immune systems, such as people with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, people who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/Centers for Disease Control guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791. A WORD ABOUT CONTAMINANTS IN DRINKING WATER Drinking water -- including bottled water -- may contain at least small amounts of contaminants. However, the presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. EPA sets standards for approximately 90 contaminants in drinking water. EPAs standards, along with each contaminants likely source and health effects, are available at www.epa.gov/safewater/mcl.html.  CONTAMINANTS AND THEIR POSSIBLE SOURCES Microbial contaminants Viruses or bacteria from agricultural runoff, septic, sewage, or wildlife. 2006 TREATED WATER QUALIT HIGHEST LEVEL ALLOWED BY EPA (MCL) C ontaminant (Units) INORGANIC COMPOUNDS Chloride (ppm) 250 1.3 4 28 10.0 1.0 Inorganic compounds Salt and metals that occur naturally or come from stormwater runoff, wastewater discharge, oil and gas production, mining and farming. Copper (ppm) Fluoride (ppm) Sodium (ppm) Pesticides and herbicides Runoff resulting from residential, commercial and agricultural use. Nitrate (ppm) Nitrite (ppm) MICROBIALS Organic chemical compounds Including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals from industrial byproducts, petroleum production, gas stations. Turbidity (NTU) PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS Color (C.U.) Odor (Units) 1 15 2 7.0 - 10.0 Radioactive contaminants Oil and gas production, mining, and natural occurrences. pH DISINFECTION BYPRODUCT PRECURSORS Total Organic Carbon (ppm) RADIOLOGICALS Alpha Emitters (pCi/L) 15 TT 1 The following areas/towns are served by the Stony Brook Reservoir: N 2 The following areas/towns are served by the Deep River Reservoir: N 2006 DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM Contaminant (Units) HIGHEST LEVEL ALLOWED BY EPA (MCL) INORGANIC COMPOUNDS Lead (ppm) Copper (ppm) ORGANIC COMPOUNDS Total Trihalomethanes (ppb) Haloacetic acid (ppb) Chlorine 80 60 MRDL=4 0.015 1.3 MCL: Maximum Contaminant Level per Liter · MCLG: Maximum Cont C.U.: Color unit (an indicator of clarity) · TON: Threshold Odor Numb  Y TABLE STONY BROOK RESERVOIR1 EPAS GOALS (MCLG) NPU AVERAGE NPU RANGE OF RECORDED VALUES DEEP RIVER RESERVOIR2 NPU AVERAGE NPU RANGE OF RECORDED VALUES MAJOR SOURCES OF CONTAMINANT IN DRINKING WATER 250 1.3 4 none 10.0 1.0 10 ND0.04 0.91 10 0.10 ND0.10 8.0 - 13.0 ND0.04 0.87 - .095 9 - 13 ND0.10 - 0.14 ND0.10 9.9 ND0.04 0.97 13 0.14 ND0.10 9.0 - 12.0 ND0.04 0.92 - 1.01 11 - 15 ND0.10 - 0.20 ND0.10 Runoff from road salt, natural deposits Corrosion of household plumbing Additive that promotes strong teeth Runoff from road salt, natural deposits Runoff from fertilizer Runoff from fertilizer  ");
array_files[21]=new Array(0,4,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/pdfs/NPU-Com-Matters-july07.pdf","2007-08-01","487K"," Community Matters July-August 2007","","","Communitymatters NORWICH PUBLIC UTILITIES JULY/AUGUST 2007 Another way to save on your energy bill! NPU reduced its peak demand by enough energy to more than power the City of Norwich for an entire day! Weve offered quite a few energy efficiency tips over the years--use energy efficient appliances; replace incandescent light bulbs with energysaving compact fluorescent lights (CFLs); seal drafty doors and windows, etc. These improvements help by reducing your energy use and therefore your energy bill. But theres a big-picture approach to energy efficiency and savings, too. Its called Demand Side Management. What is Demand Side Management? The purpose of Demand Side Management (DSM) is to encourage consumers to voluntarily limit their electricity use during peak times. Reducing the demand for energy consumed at peak times can save money in two ways. First, it allows Norwich Public Utilities to construct, operate and maintain an electric distribution system, which consists of electric generation and the transmission and distribution systems, which include power lines, substations and transformers. The peak usage of electricity determines the size of the distribution systems electrical infrastructure that must be in place all year even though its maximum capacity is only used at those peak times. The bigger the system infrastructure, the more it costs to develop, maintain and operate. Second, NPU can avoid having to purchase more expensive energy. The wholesale price that NPU pays for energy is not fixed but varies depending on the type and quantity of generation needed to meet demand. The lower-cost sources of energy generation are used first and, as the demand increases, more expensive sources called peakers must be brought on line to make up the difference. The price of power, market wide, is based on the cost to operate the most expensive generating plant that is running on line at that time. Since the electric rate remains constant, the premium paid for this peak power is spread over the entire year. Fluctuations due to the rise and fall of the energy market are captured through the purchased power adjustment (PPA). Historically, electricity usage hits its peak between 1:00 and 6:00 p.m. on a summer day when people are using their air conditioners on top of normal electric demand. Demand Side Management is also important for improving the electric grid reliability and reducing, or eliminating, brown outs or black outs. These are periods when so much electricity is being used that the system simply cannot keep up and shortages occur. With proper management, they can be avoided. Through careful planning and maintenance, NPU has been able to ensure reliability. With your help, we can continue to maintain a reliable system that meets the needs of a growing community. temperature on air conditioning at our facilities and shutting off almost all lighting. When possible, we run water and sewer pumping stations, as well as process equipment, during off-peak times to help reduce Norwichs peak load. Communication and customer cooperation paid off! NPU, along with the other Connecticut municipal utilities were so successful, that we reduced our peak demand by enough energy to more than power the City of Norwich for an entire day! The basic idea behind Demand Side Management is that energy efficiency measures can be a win/win situation -- customers use less energy so their bill is less; and by lowering the demand, the energy customers do use is less expensive. Last summer we instituted Power Alert Days to notify customers when peak days were expected and asked that customers limit the amount of electricity used during that time. Just wait until after the peak period to turn on appliances like dishwashers and clothes washers, raise the temperature on air conditioners, or run pool filters at night. NPU also participates on these days by turning off or raising the  Another Year of Superior PORT ITY RE Water Quality QUAL TER 06 WA Norwich Public Utilities has 20 Mercury in CFLs There have been a lot of stories lately about the mercury content in a compact fluorescent light bulb, and the expensive clean up costs associated with these bulbs. The facts: CFLs contain about 4 mg of mercury. Compare that to a mercury thermometer which contains 500 mg. Even though CFLs only contain a small amount, it is important that they be handled with care and disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. Never toss CFLs into garbage cans! Instead, place the CFL in a sealed plastic bag and dispose of it the same way you would dispose of batteries, oilbased paint, or motor oil. The Norwich Transfer Station accepts these bulbs at no charge during normal business hours. For more details, call the transfer station at 823-3796. If a CFL breaks in your home, open a nearby window, carefully sweep up the fragments with a broom and wipe the area with a wet paper towel to remove all particles. Place the fragments and towel in a sealed plastic bag and dispose of properly. Never use a vacuum! In spite of their mercury content, CFLs are still better for the environment than standard bulbs because CFLs use much less energy and last a lot longer. To produce enough energy to light an incandescent bulb, a power plant will emit 10 mg of mercury. To produce the energy to light a CFL, a power plant only emits 2.4 mg of mercury! This means less mercury is released into the environment. For more information, visit NPUs website at www.norwichpublicutilities.com and click on the Energy Star link. published its Water Quality Report for 2006. The report details the testing your municipal water supply undergoes throughout the year and lists the results, which were superior to government standards across the board. Were proud of our record of above average water quality and wed like to share it with you. A copy of our 2006 Water Quality Report has been sent to all water customers and is available on our website at www.norwichpublicutilities.com. If you need an extra copy, or are not a water customer but would like a copy, please contact communitymatters@npumail.com per hundred cubic feet or approximately 750 gallons. That works out to .0026 per gallon. Contrast that with the 1.50 you might be paying at the store for just one gallon of bottled water! · The original purpose for building community water supplies was to fight fires! · The average U.S. household uses 350 gallons of water a day. · Watering the average quarter-acre lawn can use more than 3,000 gallons of water a week. · We only drink about 1% of treated water--the rest we use to water the lawn, do the laundry or flush the toilet. · Dripping faucets may not seem like much, but over the course of a year if your faucet drips once every two seconds youll waste over 1,000 gallons of water! For water-saving tips, you can visit www.norwichpublicutilities.com/ water-conservation.html. Did you know? · Community water supplies are tested every day. Tap water undergoes far more frequent testing than bottled water (source American Water Works Association www.awwa.org). · NPU treats about 1.9 billion gallons of water a year, or an average of 5.1 million gallons a day! · Compare the cost of municipal tap water to bottled water--tap water costs 2.00 Summer Safety Tips Summertime and the livin is easy... lets make sure its safe, too. Norwich Safe Communities Coalition and Safe Kids New London County remind you to follow the safety tips below: · Study your vehicle owners manual and child safety seat instructions carefully. · Children should ride in a booster seat until at least age 8 or until 49 tall. At the water · Always supervise young children near water, including pools, spas, toilets, bathtubs and buckets. Children should never swim alone. · Empty and turn over wading pools immediately after use. · Teach children never to go near a pool drain. Children who get hair or body parts caught in the drain can drown. Pin up long hair when in pools, hot tubs, and spas. On a bike · Make sure children wear properly fitting helmets and other protective gear every time they ride their bikes, scooters, inline skates or skateboards. · Teach your children the rules of the road and practice obeying traffic laws with them. · Cycling should be restricted to sidewalks and paths until a child is age 10 and is able to show how well she or he rides and observes the basic rules of the road. from between parked cars or behind bushes. · Make sure your children wear retro-reflective materials, and dont let them walk alone at night. If they must walk at dawn or at dusk, make sure they carry a flashlight. At the playground · Always supervise your children at playgrounds or in the backyard. Make sure they play on a safe surface, such as mulch, rubber or sand. · Parents should check for hot surfaces on playground equipment before allowing children to play on it. · Make sure children drink enough water when playing outdoors. · Remove hood and neck drawstrings from all childrens outerwear. Never allow children to wear helmets, necklaces, purses, scarves or clothing with drawstrings while on playgrounds. In the car · Secure children in a child safety seat appropriate for their age and size, or with a safety belt, and always in the back seat. Taking a walk · Never let your child under age 10 cross the street alone--teach children to obey traffic rules. · Teach your children never to enter the street  Schools Out! Whatre We Gonna Do? The school year is ending and parents are pondering that age old question ­ what can we do this summer? Well, you dont have to travel far (which is good news with the current gas prices!) to have fun. There are countless activities to enjoy right here in our community, at little or no cost. Sports--watch `em or play `em The Connecticut Defenders, our local AA baseball team, have exciting home games scheduled throughout the summer. At Friday night home games, there are fireworks afterward. For ticket information and a game schedule, visit www.connecticutdefenders.com. If youd rather take part in a sport, Norwich has an abundance of fields for every kind of game. Many neighborhoods have public fields large enough for an impromptu game of baseball, soccer or   ");
array_files[22]=new Array(0,4,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/pdfs/NPU-Com-Matters-feb07.pdf","2007-08-01","264K"," Community Matters February-March 2007","","","Communitymatters NORWICH PUBLIC UTILITIES FEB/MAR 2007 The NEW utility bill statement-- redesigned with YOU in mind! NPU has improved the design of its utility bill statement. This is due, in part, to state legislation passed last year that fixed a disparity in Connecticuts Gross Revenue Tax.* This tax is paid by all utility companies. Prior to this legislation, municipal utility customers paid this tax on their entire electric utility bill. The legislation now requires that the tax only be charged on the transmission and distribution portion--not on the energy generation portion. This benefits NPU customers because energy generation is the fastest rising and most unstable portion of a utility bill. And, although the new tax rate is slightly higher, customers will actually save money because they will be taxed on less of their bill! Eliminating the gross revenue tax on energy generation will require a change to the published rate structure, resulting in changes to the way some charges will appear on your monthly electric utility bill. Since the utility statement had to be modified to accommodate these changes, NPU has taken this opportunity to make other changes--all designed to make it better for you! Changes at a glance NPU received helpful feedback from a cross section of NPU customers and incorporated their suggestions into the statement redesign. Overall, customers had positive responses to the new larger statement size, the utility graphs now showing 13 months of data, and the organized billing summary area. The new statement makes it quick and easy to find key information, yet at the same time provides detailed account information. Here are some of the changes youll see: · Clearer headings for easier readability · Resized to show more detail and avoid costly two-page bills · Graphs showing 13-month usage data · Provides information so customers can calculate and verify their own bill · Includes an account summary area · Only lists services customers have in order to eliminate confusion · The tear-off remittance stub has been moved to the bottom of the statement for faster and easier payment processing New! Online bill payment For added customer convenience, NPU now offers secure, online bill payment. Its easy and convenient--plus it saves a stamp! You can even pay with credit or debit cards. Try it today by going to www.norwichpublicutilities.com and clicking on the link. * For additional information, see article, Controlling rising energy costs, July/August 2006 issue of Community Matters--available on the NPU website. COMING SOON! d. old bill. Looks goo ...better than the and the immediate We like the visuals one-year period. comparison for a ant e visually. People w Graphs help to se vely yve spent collecti to know what the ature. each year--nice fe viewed customers who pre --Comments from n the new bill redesig New statement debut Starting in May, you will begin to receive the new, improved NPU utility bill statement along with detailed information about the redesign. Electric Rate Definitions Electric rates cover three separate areas of service: generation, transmission, and distribution. Generation covers the expense of producing electricity. Transmission and distribution cover the costs associated with delivering the electricity from the power plant to you, the end user.  Heat your home safely and efficiently Space heaters While portable space heaters can add additional warmth to a chilly home, they cannot replace the need for a properly functioning and wellmaintained central heating system for two very good reasons--safety and cost. Space heaters also cost more to operate. Electric space heaters use more than twotimes the energy of a traditional oil or natural gas system to generate the same amount of heat. Do not use space heaters as a replacement for a lack of insulation or repair of drafty spaces. All this does is heat the outdoor air! Used as a short-term solution, space heaters can be helpful. However, it is safer and more cost-effective in the long run to increase your central heating systems capacity. If you must purchase or use a space heater, please be sure to follow these tips: · Buy only space heaters with the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) safety listing, making sure it has a thermostat control and will turn off automatically if the heater falls over · Do not attempt to dry clothes with or place objects on any space heater · Keep heaters at least three feet away from flammable objects or other heaters · Unplug your space heaters when not in use · Use caution, keep space heaters properly maintained and think safety Electric space heaters use more than two-times the energy of a traditional oil or natural gas system to generate the same amount of heat. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), space heaters were involved in 73% of deaths, 60% of injuries and 51% of the damage from home heating fires.* We usually get a flurry of calls early in the heating season. People should be aware of the dangers and take extra precautions. Simple common sense can prevent many fires, comments Norwich Fire Chief, Kenneth Scandariato. Save money--program your thermostat Programmable thermostats are a great way to save money on heating bills. They can be programmed to lower the temperature when no one is home or during sleep. We suggest a seven to 10 degrees set back. But remember, the lower you set the programmer, the longer it will take to warm up your home. Allow 30 minutes to one hour for the temperature to rise back up to a desired level. Be sure to keep the temperature set at a level high enough to prevent water pipes from freezing. *2003 statistics. www.nfpa.org Additional safety tips from Fire Chief Scandariato: ·If using extension cords, never coil or hide them because they create heat when in use ·Repair or replace pinched, frayed or compressed cords because cords in these conditions can become fire hazards Energy efficiency walk-through analysis for NPU residential customers Save money and conserve energy by making your home more energy efficient. To request your home analysis, email communitymatters@npumail.com, call 860-887-2555 or visit the NPU Customer Service Center at 173 North Main Street. Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning kills more than 200 people each year and sends roughly 10,000 people to the hospital emergency room for treatment.* CO is a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning any type of fuel. Early symptoms of CO poisoning are like those of the flu--but without the fever--and include headache, tiredness, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness. If you supect that you are experiencing CO poisoning, get fresh air immediately. Leave the home and call 9-1-1 for assistance from a neighbors home. You could lose consciousness and die from CO poisoning if you stay in the home. Get medical attention immediately. Tell medical staff that CO poisoning is suspected. Call the fire department, who will determine when its safe to return home. You can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by installing CO detectors in your home. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends detectors that meet the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) Standard 2034. For more information, visit the CPSC website at www.cpsc.gov. * U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)  Winter parking and snow removal regulations Winter has finally arrived! And, the Norwich police and public works departments seek the publics cooperation during winter storms. Winter storm parking The Norwich Police Department would like to remind all motorists of the Citys traffic regulation, which prohibits parking on the odd side of all city streets during snowstorm removal by the Department of Public Works and Connecticut DOT crews. Please be aware that parking is banned from both sides of certain city streets, such as Old Cemetery Lane, North Cliff Street and Shetucket Avenue in Taftville. Contact the police department at 886-5561 for a complete list of banned streets. Vehicles found violating the winter parking ban may be towed at the owners expense and are also subject to a 25 fine. With the publics support, crews can safely and efficiently remove snow from roadways. Snow removal Property owners and tenants are required to remove all snow and sleet from their sidewalks within three hours of a storm. Contact the police department at 886-5561 for more information. Also, NPU wishes to remind its customers to keep outdoor utility meters clear of snow and ice. This way, meter readers can reach the meters to get readings and NPU can provide customers with accurate bills. Winter safety tips Helpful suggestions that can keep you safe on winter roadways. Before you drive away · Check your car to make sure the brakes, windshield wipers, defroster and heater are working well · Keep the exhaust pipe free from snow · Clear snow from headlights and taillights so you can see and be seen; clear snow from bumpers and license plates, too · Prevent freezing by using antifreeze instead of plain water in your radiator and washer fluid instead of water in your windshield washer well · Make sure tires are properly inflated and treads are not worn · Store these items in your vehicle--an ice scraper, a broom to brush snow away, a shovel with which to dig out, sand or burlap for traction, a flashlight and an old towel to dry your hands · Carry a cell phone for emergency use · Safety belts reduce the risk of death from a crash by 50% for adults and toddlers and 70% for infants--use them! While on the road · Allow extra time to get to your destination because driving in winter conditions can take longer · In case of delays or detours, make sure your gas tank is full · Keep your windshield and windows clear and free from fog · Slow down and keep more distance between your vehicle and the one ahead because stopping can take longer in snow and icy conditions; avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes · Visibility can be limited during winter conditions, so keep a careful watch for other vehicles and snow removal equipment · Give way to snow plows and other DOT vehicles--they cant move out of your way as easily as you can move out of  ");
array_files[23]=new Array(0,4,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/pdfs/NPU-Com-Matters-apr07.pdf","2007-08-01","767K"," Community Matters April-May 2007","","","Communitymatters NORWICH PUBLIC UTILITIES APR/MAY 2007 Wastewater Treatment A Valuable Asset to the Community The City of Norwich has operated a municipal wastewater treatment facility since 1936. The original facility was replaced in 1957 and expanded during the 1970s. While there have been no major expansions since then, Norwich Public Utilities continually improves the plant to accommodate the citys growth. Wastewater treatment is the process of cleaning used water and sewage so it can be returned safely to the environment. Norwichs wastewater treatment process is vital, protecting local rivers that flow into Long Island Sound. There are two parts to wastewater treatment -- a collection system and a treatment facility. The collection system includes a network of approximately 130 miles of pipe and over 2,000 manholes and pump stations. The treatment facility contains various tanks and other structures necessary to collect, filter, separate and disinfect the discharge. How does a treatment facility work? Wastewater treatment takes place in two steps -- primary treatment and secondary treatment. During primary treatment, pollutants are removed using a series of tanks and screening methods. Secondary treatment completes the process, resulting in clean, disinfected water being returned to the river. The sludge (called biosolids) -- separated Why are sewer rates higher than water rates? Wouldnt it cost more to treat water so it is safe for drinking? Actually, no. Reservoir water is pretty clean to start with. On the other hand, sewage requires much more processing and disinfecting in order to meet stringent discharge requirements. It also requires the purchase of large quantities of costly chemicals and the operation of more equipment. How do households with septic tanks benefit from the treatment facility? A septic system is simply a holding tank for sludge, and sooner or later the tank will fill up. When that happens, you call a septage hauler, who will come and empty the tank for you. End of story, right? Not quite. What happens next? The septage hauler empties his trucks at the wastewater treatment plant! Therefore, its safe to say that wastewater treatment facilities are an important and necessary part of everyones life -- whether you are connected to the citys sewer lines or not. What can you do to help the wastewater process? First and foremost, be informed! By learning whats involved in the process, you can help by taking precautions to out of the wastewater -- is disposed of in an environmentally safe manner. Responsibilities in treating wastewater The State of Connecticut has adopted water quality standards required by the federal Clean Water Act. In addition, regional environmental factors, such as nitrogen discharge into Long Island Sound, result in stringent guidelines for discharge controls. By complying with these standards and guidelines, NPU ensures that our community enjoys a clean and healthy environment for generations to come. avoid unnecessary treatment costs. Treating wastewater is expensive, involving costly chemicals and processes. Without a wastewater treatment process our local rivers and streams would be too polluted for recreational use or to sustain aquatic and wildlife. Continued on the next page... COMING SOON! Your redesigned bill statement is coming in May!  Fats, Oils and Grease A Costly Issue for Wastewater Facilities Fats, oils and grease (FOG) dumped down a drain cause considerable damage to the citys sewer collection system, as well as your own system, and result in operational problems and added costs for the wastewater treatment facility. FOG solidifies in the pipes, resulting in blockages that cause sewer backups. In addition to damage caused to property, these backups add risk to human health and the environment. The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (CT DEP) instituted a General Permit, effective September 30, 2005, for restaurants and other businesses that prepare food to reduce problems caused by FOG discharge. Under the requirements of the Permit, FOG-management equipment must be installed at all qualifying establishments. The equipment is designed to collect FOG until properly disposed of at approved disposal facilities. Establishments must maintain proper records of equipment maintenance and FOG disposal. For more information on FOG management and the General Permit, including mandatory compliance dates, contact NPU at (860) 887-2555, extension 4157; the Uncas Health District at (860) 823-1189; or the CT DEP Bureau of Water Management at (860) 424-3755. Although the General Permit primarily affects restaurants, everyone can help reduce FOG in our distribution system. Please do not pour grease, oil or fats down the drain! Instead, practice the dry clean up approach. Allow the grease to solidify in the pan and then scrape it into the trash, or use a paper towel to absorb it before washing the pan. Please do not pour grease, oil or fats down the drain! Allow the grease to solidify in the pan and then scrape it into the trash, or use a paper towel to absorb it before washing the pan. Operation Fuel Celebrates 30 Years! In 1977, then-Governor Ella Grasso collaborated with Father Thomas Lynch and leaders in banking, insurance and utility companies to create a new fund called Operation Fuel. Its mission was simple -- raise funds to help those who do not qualify for government-funded energy assistance but need temporary help to get past a crisis. 30 years later, this fund is still available. Many working families, who struggle every day to make ends meet, can be financially devastated by unexpected or unplanned expenses. During these crises, they must choose between purchasing food, prescriptions, or heating their home. Operation Fuel provides funds to help families get through the crisis -- without having to rely on public assistance, declaring bankruptcy, or worse. What makes Operation Fuel unique is that tax-deductible donations are made by citizens who add a dollar each month to their utility bill (See add a dollar box on your NPU remit stub). These donations go directly to Operation Fuel. 100% of this money is distributed through volunteer community agencies to qualifying households. No add a dollar donations are used for administrative costs. Last year, Operation Fuel helped nearly 3,000 households throughout Connecticut and 198 families in the Norwich area. To learn more, visit www.operationfuel.org. Wastewater Treatment Continued from previous page... Dispose of household products safely! Dont pour solvents, pesticides, paint thinners, oil, or other hazardous chemicals down the drain or into storm sewers. The City of Norwich offers hazardous collection days for the proper disposal of these products. Practice water conservation! All water that travels through the collection system must be treated at the facility. Allowing clean water to be poured down the drain costs you both in terms of the water costs and the sewer fees. Consider installing low-flow toilets and showerheads to limit unnecessary use. To see how the wastewater treatment process works, sign up for the facilities tour scheduled for May 19th. More details on this tour are included in this edition of Community Matters.  Features, price AND efficiency-- the formula for appliance-buying success Looking to buy a big screen television, a new washer and dryer, or installing an air conditioning unit this summer? Choosing the right appliance involves more than comparing features and price. Its also important to consider its long-term energy cost. Choosing an appliance based on the purchase price only may end up costing you more money in operating costs over the life of the appliance. Purchasing a bargain air conditioner may not be such a bargain when you consider how much energy it will need to run! Energy efficiency is good for the wallet When purchasing appliances, be sure to look for the Energy Star label. Energy Starcertified appliances use up to 50% less energy or water. This energy use savings will more than offset the extra cost of the appliance. Thats because appliances that qualify as Energy Star meet strict energy efficiency guidelines as established by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Typically, these units are built using more efficient internal components, such as compressors and fans. Most household appliances, including televisions and air conditioners, have Energy Star models available. Energy efficiency is good for the environment Consider this -- if every television sold in one year was Energy Star rated, it would result in 9 billion pounds less air pollution!1 For more information on purchasing Energy Star appliances, visit www.norwichpublicutilities.com/ efficiency-main.html and click on the Energy Star link. 1 Source: www.energystar.gov Call Before You Dig Spring is here and that means warmer weather and outdoor projects. Many of these projects will require some excavation or digging. Before you start digging, you must notify Call Before You Dig (CBYD) at 1-800-922-4455. CBYD is a nonprofit organization made up of all public utility companies and municipalities within Connecticut. Unsafe or careless digging can lead to injury and damage to underground utility lines, property and the environment. Plus, you can be subject to costly state fines if underground utilities are damaged and CBYD was not properly notified. Contact CBYD at least two full working days before your excavation work is scheduled to begin. Provide the specific location and type of work you are planning. CBYD will notify NPU, as well as the cable and phone companies. NPU will visit the work site and clearly mark the location of pipes or cables. You may not use power tools to excavate within 18 inches of these markings. If you have hired a contractor to excavate, he or she must contact CBYD with the location information. According to state law, the person actually doing the digging is the one required to call. Even if youre only using hand tools such as axes, shovels or posthole diggers, CBYD encourages you to contact them. Remember, before you start to build that new deck, put in a swimming poo  ");
array_files[24]=new Array(0,4,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/pdfs/NPU-Com-Matters-Oct06.pdf","2007-08-01","97K"," Community Matters October-November 2006","","","Communitymatters NORWICH PUBLIC UTILITIES OCT/NOV 2006 Winter heating: how you can combat rising costs The U.S. Department of Energy expects winter heating costs to be slightly lower than last year. And, natural gas prices are near a two-year low. Good news, right? Unfortunately, no one knows if natural gas prices will go up--or down--next. Thats because energy prices, in general, change drastically. Did you know? · Heating is the largest portion of a utility bill · 35% of Norwich residents heat with natural gas · About 14% heat with electricity · The remaining 51% heat with oil or propane Any of the reasons listed below can affect the price of natural gas, causing prices to rise again. NPU has no control over these price changes. Additional day-to-day factors can affect the price of natural gas, too. Traders take all factors into account when setting the price on the exchange market. · The forecast of harsh or mild winters, hurricanes · Volatile weather patterns · Futures trading (Natural gas prices often closely follow the price of crude oil, which changes continually) · Supply and demand The futures market is the major contributor to the price of home energy fuel costs, comments John Bilda, NPUS General Manager, but consumers can make a difference. Using less energy helps to keep prices stable. When you make How is the price of natural gas determined? Natural gas is bought and sold on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX), where traders speculate (guess) as to when natural gas prices will be at their highest in any given winter season. This is called futures trading. Deliverable Fuel (fuel oil, kerosene) 48% Electricity 13.8% Wood 1% Other .1% Bottled or LP Gas 2% Natural Gas 35% energy efficiency practices a way of life, you can then begin to manage your own energy costs. Little things make a big difference in lowering high winter heating bills · Lower the thermostat by a few degrees · Make sure your heating system is properly maintained · Regularly clean or replace furnace filters and heat pump filters · Make sure warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators are not blocked by furniture, carpeting, or drapes; clean as needed · When operating efficiently, a gas flame should be blue; If your gas flame is yellow, it is not operating efficiently; Have the appliance serviced by a licensed contractor · Caulk leaky windows and add weather stripping to windows and doors To learn more about energy efficiency tips? Visit www.norwichpublicutilities.com or www.eere.energy.gov. You may also contact Norwich Public Utilities at 887-2555 or communitymatters@npumail.com. John Bilda, NPUS General Manager says, Using less energy helps to keep prices stable. Household Heating Systems Although several different types of fuels are available to heat our homes, more than half of us use natural gas. Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy  Energy assistance programs are here Winter is just around the corner. During this time of year, home heating is a major household expense. So, where can you turn for help? Thankfully, there are energy assistance programs available. Are you eligible for assistance? To be eligible for Connecticuts energy assistance program, a household must earn less than 200% of the federal poverty level* or 60% of the states median income. For a family of four, this equals a monthly gross household income of 4,466. This years maximum basic benefit is 675. Additional benefits are available to customers who heat with deliverable fuel (oil, wood, propane, etc.). ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES # of people in household 1 2 3 4 5 6 Monthly Income 2,322 4,037 3,751 4,466 5,181 5,895 NPUs Energy Efficiency Programs Energy efficiency helps individuals, families and businesses alike. Thats why Norwich Public Utilities (NPU) provides customers with energy saving programs to help reduce energy use and costs. NPU currently offers the following programs: For all NPU customers: Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb -- Save up to 20% on lighting costs when you replace traditional incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Visit www.estarlights.com or call the NPU Service Center to request a catalog of energy efficient lights and fixtures. For residential customers: Appliance Rebates -- Get 60 back from NPU on the purchase of an ENERGY STARqualified front-loader clothes washer purchased between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2007. Forms are available at local appliance stores or the NPU customer service center, Plus, you can download it from the NPU website. For commercial customers: Cool Choice Program --Get cash rebates of Sign ups available by appointment only Representatives from Thames Valley Council for Community Action (TVCCA) are processing sign-ups by appointment now through the end of the 2007 heating season. To make an appointment, contact TVCCA at 889-1365, then press 2 for energy assistance. NPU is hosting those appointments on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at its Customer Service Center. The center is located at 173 North Main Street in Norwich. Other programs available For customers who dont qualify for the states energy assistance program, other resources are available: the Community Assistance Review Team (CART), a program from NPU and Norwich Human Services; Operation Fuel; and the United Ways Project Warm-Up. For more information on these resources, please contact a Norwich Public Utilities customer service representative at 887-2555 or communitymatters@npumail.com. Chairman of NPUs Utility Board Commission awarded Stanley Israelite, 81, NPU Utility Board Chairman since 1996, was honored as part of the Experience Works Prime Time Awards Program. The Program is the only national program of its kind that honors the contributions of older workers each year. Its purpose is to remove barriers to employment and lessen negative stereotypes for this age group. up to 80% to help defray the cost of buying high-efficiency HVAC systems. MotorUp! Program -- Offers attractive incentives to upgrade to premium-efficiency electric motors that provide greater reliability, dramatic reductions in operating costs, electrical consumption and carbon emissions. For more information, please go online at www.norwichpublicutilities.com/efficiencymain. html, call the NPU service center at 860-887-2555, or visit 173 North Main Street Norwich, CT. Commercial customers can contact Jeff Brining at (860) 823-4522 for additional information on commercial energy plans. Norwich Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition Working together for a healthy and responsible community. If you need assistance, dont wait. Contact the Uncas Health District at (860) 823-1189, ext. 16. The Uncas Health District is located at 372 West Main Street, Second floor, Norwich, CT 06360.  Keep children safe this Halloween As children trick-or-treat this Halloween, the potential for accidental injury increases. They are four times more likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than any other night of the year. Darting out into the street is one of the most common causes of pedestrian death among children. Children ages 12 and under · Should be accompanied by adults as they trick-or-treat · Attach name, address and phone number (+ area code) to clothes in case children get separated from adults Children ages 12 and older · Teach your child his or her phone number · Provide children with change for a phone call · Instruct children to travel only in familiar areas and along a preestablished route · Never allow children to enter a home or building unless they are with an adult · Set a time for children to return home · Limit trick-or-treating visits to homes with lit porch lights or outside lights · Check your childs treats make sure they are safe to eat Heres how you can help make this Halloween safe. Visibility · Decorate costumes, bags and sacks with retro-reflective tape and stickers · Use costumes that are light or bright to make children more visible at night Traffic · Walk, do not run, while trick-or-treating · Stop before crossing the street; cross only at intersections and crosswalks · Look left, right and left again before crossing; look both ways while crossing · Never to dart out onto a street or cross between parked cars Motorists · Slow down in residential neighborhoods · Obey all traffic signs and signals · Watch out for children · Enter/exit driveways slowly and carefully · Have children exit/enter the car at the curbside, away from traffic Home owners and renters · Remove obstacles like tools, ladders and toys from your steps, lawn and porch · Keep candlelit jack-o-lanterns away from doorsteps where costumes might brush against the flame · If a mask is worn, it should fit securely with large eyeholes for full vision · Have trick-or-treaters carry flashlights · Make costumes short enough to avoid tripping · Secure hats so they wont slip over eyes · Dress children in shoes that fit; adult shoes are unsafe, making it easy to trip · Carry only flexible props, like swords, to avoid injury if a child falls · Do not to cut across yards to avoid tripping on lawn objects in the dark Fires and burns are the third-leading cause of accidental injury-related death among children. Follow these tips to help prevent burns. · Look for flame resistant labels on costumes, masks, beards and wigs · Use fire-resistant material when making costumes · Avoid costumes made of flimsy material and outfits with big sleeves or skirts, which can touch an exposed flame · Keep candles, pumpkins with candles, matches and lighters out of childrens reach The SAFE KIDS New London County is part of the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, the first and only national nonprofit organization dedicated solely to the prevention of unintentional childhood injury--the #1 killer of children ages 14 and under. For more information, visit www.safekids.org or www.nlcsafekids.org Other recommendations Bulky costumes and masks can make walking safely through dark neighborhoods difficult. Follow these tips to help prevent injuries due to tripping or falling. · Face paint is safer than a mask, which can block vision S.P.R.O.U.T.S. -- Special People Reaching Out Unconditionally To Students Norw  ");
array_files[25]=new Array(0,4,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/pdfs/NPU-Com-Matters-May06.pdf","2007-08-01","155K","NPU-Com-Matters-May06.pdf","","","Communitymatters NORWICH PUBLIC UTILITIES MAY/JUNE 2006 Conservation-- lowering the cost of energy The less energy you use, the more money you save on your electric bill. And, using less energy keeps rates down for everyone. Recognizing energy conservation as a solution to high energy costs, Norwich Public Utilities (NPU) worked with state leaders over the past year and began collecting for conservation in January. The NPU conservation program is being developed to help customers reduce energy use and save on electric bills. owned utilities collect the funds, which are sent to, and managed by, the State. When these utilities want to use funds for conservation, they must apply to the State. The State has also used this money for other things besides energy conservation. In contrast, NPU is now collecting and managing its own conservation program. The money collected by NPU will be used only for conservation and only in the Norwich community. Period! Whats the cost? A small fraction of the Purchased Power Adjustment (PPA) rate--.0015 per kWh-- is set aside for conservation. Heres how you can participate Start by taking part in the NPU Conservation and deregulation Conservation isnt new to Connecticut. After electric deregulation in 1999, the State legislature formed the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund to help customers serviced by investor-owned utilities like CL&P and UI use energy more efficiently. As a municipally owned utility, NPU is exempt from deregulation requirements, which include many costly charges. Since 1999, NPU customers have saved a significant amount of money by not contributing towards the State-run program. Why is the NPU program different? With the State-run program, investorLight Bulb Program! Replacing light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) can save up to 20% on lighting costs. Bulbs can be purchased at a discount either online at www.estarlights.com (select the listing for Norwich Public Utilities), or at the NPU Customer Service Center at 173 North Main Street. NPU is committed to developing conservation plans to help customers reduce energy use and save money. What do you think would make an effective program? Please send your ideas and comments to communitymatters@npumail.com. Simple steps to conserve power LIGHTS · Replace light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). · Turn off lights when not in use. HEATING & COOLING · Close shades or draperies on hot days. · Close windows and doors when using the AC. · Raise the thermostat just a few degrees during the summer. It will lower your electric bill! ELECTRONICS & APPLIANCES · Turn off when not in use. It will cut costs and help products last longer. · Run the dishwasher with full loads, only. · Whenever possible, hang clothes to dry instead of using the dryer. · Clean the dryer filter before every use. AT WORK · Turn off PCs, monitors, printers and copiers nightly and on weekends. · Laptop computers use 90% less energy than desktop computers. · Inkjet printers use 90% less energy than laser printers. · Install dimmers or motion sensors to lower energy use in copier rooms, restrooms, and areas that arent used often. · Maintain and service heating and cooling systems for maximum efficiency. For more information, visit the US Department of Energy website at www.eere.energy.gov/consumer or the Energy Star site at www.energystar.gov John Bilda, NPUs General Manager, said it best, The easiest way to cut your electric bill is to lower the amount of energy used.  Norwich Safe Communities Coalition would like to remind everyone to practice these · Muscle cramps. · Very little urine output. Drinking fluids is usually enough to combat dehydration. But, if any of these symptoms occur, seek help from a doctor. Heres how you can avoid dehydration: · Drink lots of fluids, especially on hot, dry and windy days. Water is best. · Wear the right clothes. Wear loose-fitting clothes and a hat outside on a hot day. · Drink some fluids before, during and after any strenuous activities. · Parents should watch their childs fluid intake so outdoor activities are safe and fun. Walk safely! Street crossing tips Cross intersections at the signal--only when the signal shows its safe. Look both ways. Watch for turning vehicles. Walk on the right side of the crosswalk. No signal available? Use the crosswalk at the nearest corner. Make eye contact with drivers to be sure they see you. Make sure cars come to a stop before crossing. Keep looking both ways until safely across. Watch for turning vehicles. Walk on the right side of the crosswalk. No crosswalk available? Stop at the curb. Carefully look around all objects that block your view of traffic. Keep looking both ways until safely across. Provided by Norwich Safe Communities Coalition, part of the Uncas Health District. For more information, contact Coordinator Jody Rubino at (860) 823-1189 x113. Spring fire safety tips Brush Fires The busiest time of the year for bush fires isnt summer--its spring. The lack of tree leaves shading the ground from the sun together with windy conditions creates a perfect recipe for brush fires. Here are some prevention tips: · Do not throw smoking items out of moving vehicles. Use ashtrays. · Dont idle your car on dry grassy areas along the roadside. · Do not operate ATVs on dry grassy areas. · Make sure the spark-arrester works on your lawn mover. · Never leave outdoor fires unattended. A permit may be required to burn brush. Check with your local fire department. Smoke Detectors Remember to replace the battery in your smoke detector every year. Gas Grills Since most gas grills havent been used since last fall, check for leaks now. Place a few drops of liquid soap in water and spray on the tank, piping and connectors. If you see bubbles forming, you have a leak. spring safety tips Avoid dehydration with a few simple steps As the weather gets warmer, people spend more time on outdoor activities. But, too much outdoor activity added to not drinking enough fluids could lead to dehydration. Dehydration happens when your body does not get as much fluid as it needs. Large amounts of fluid lost from sweat and lots of physical activity--especially on a hot day--can sometimes make a person feel sick. If fluid isnt replaced, dehydration can set in. Signs of dehydration · Feeling faint, weak or dizzy every time you stand up (even after a couple of hours). · Headache and/or nausea during or after a lot of physical exercise. More and more Norwich citizens are walking to school, to work and for exercise. Here are a few simple safety reminders when walking and crossing streets: Safe walking tips 1. Walking on roads without sidewalks-- always walk on the side of the road facing traffic, close to the edge. 2. Do not assume the driver sees you. 3. If walking at dusk, dawn or night, wear light-colored clothing. Better yet, wear reflective tape on the front and back of clothing. 4. Carry a flashlight to help drivers see you better. Wow! NorwichNow! Introduced by Mayor Ben Lathrops office last December, NorwichNow! is an innovative and creative initiative to market and develop Norwich. And its catching on as it continues to generate contagious enthusiasm for living and working in Norwich. Many talented people in the community are contributing to the development of Norwich, with the help of City Hall and the Community Outreach Program. All Norwich businesses and residents are invited to be part of the revitalization and rejuvenation of the City! For more information, contact Mayor Ben Lathrops office at (860) 823-3743, or visit www.norwichct.org  Meet John Bilda, NPUs new General Manager Although John Bilda became NPUs new General Manager (GM) this January, he has been developing and preparing for this position during his entire 18-year career at NPU. With his education, experience, community involvement and knowledge of Norwich as a lifelong resident, the Board of Utility Commissioners and retired GM Dick DesRoches were confident they chose the right person for the job. As GM, John oversees all NPU services--electric, gas, water and sewer. Building on NPUs history of adding value to the community, Johns immediate focus will be on advocating against rising energy costs, developing cost-saving conservation programs and increasing customer education on energy related issues. He will also be working This is an opportunity for NPU to become increasingly efficient while providing superior customer service and competitive rates. Our goal is to make Norwich a better place to live, work and do business. We take great pride in being members of this community. --John Bilda on expanding hydroelectric power, servicing new sites and coordinating Federaland State-required upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant. After graduating Norwich Free Academy, John earned an Associates Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Thames Valley Technical College. He also holds a Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Hartford, and a Masters in Business Administration from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. John began his career as a utility engineer and has worked in all areas of NPUs operations bringing well-rounded expertise to his new role. John welcomes your input and is dedicated to serving your utility needs. Personal note: A volunteer firefighter for more than 23 years, John is involved with local civic organizations and lives in Norwich with his wife, Debra, and sons, Daniel and Jody. Norwich Fire Department Fire Safety Tips 1. When frying foods keep a cover handy. USE NO WATER! 2. Have an outside meeting place for your family to gather during an emergency. You may contact us for any help and all questions by Email: norwichfire@cityofnorwich.org or chiefscand@cityofnorwich.org Or by telephone and/or mail Dicas de Segurança contra Incêndios 1. Quando estiver a fritar comidas, tenha uma tampa à mão. NUNCA USE ÁGUA PARA APAGAR O FOGO! 2. Em caso de emergência, tenha em mente um lugar seguro para se reunir com a sua família. Se tiver qualquer pergunta, contacte-nos por email: norwichfire@cityofnorwich.org chiefscand@cityofnorwich.org Ou por telefone e/ou por carta Kèk Ti Konsèy sou Mezi Sekirite pou Pran lè gen Dife 1. L  ");
array_files[26]=new Array(0,4,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/pdfs/NPU-Com-Matters-July06.pdf","2007-08-01","142K","NPU-Com-Matters-July06.pdf","","","Communitymatters NORWICH PUBLIC UTILITIES JULY/AUGUST 2006 Controlling rising energy costs Every little bit counts. A new bill--co-sponsored during the last session of the Connecticut General Assembly by State Representatives Melissa Olson (D) and Edith Prague (D), with support from Jack Malone (D), and passed by both the House and the Senate--will save NPU customers more than 600,000 per year. The bill fixes a disparity in the way tax is calculated for municipal electric utilities, which includes NPU. How the State taxes electricity Electric rates cover three separate areas of service. The first is generation, which covers the expense of producing electricity. The others are transmission and distribution, which cover the costs associated with delivering the electricity from the power plants to customers. electric customers. However, John Bilda, General Manager of NPU remarked, generation costs have exploded-- including the tax on our customers bills. This bill corrects a long-overdue inequality and benefits the customer directly. The new law removes the tax on municipalities from the fastest rising and most unstable cost--energy generation. Now, both municipal utility customers and investor-owned utility customers are taxed the same way--on transmission and distribution only. NPU--hard at work to curb rising costs Beginning in February, John Bilda and Maurice Scully, Director of Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperate (CMEEC), collected and provided a large portion of detailed information for State Representative Melissa Olson. Olson said, NPU was a driving force behind this piece of legislation. They made me aware of the inequity in the tax law. It was their input, along with CMEEC, that enabled me As an outcome of deregulation in 1998, investor-owned utilities only paid a grossrevenue tax to the State of Connecticut on two areas of service--energy transmission and distribution--but not on generation. In contrast, municipal-owned utilities, like NPU, continued to pay a gross-revenue tax on all three areas of service, but the tax percentage was lower than what the investor-owned utilities were paying. Since energy generation costs had been low, paying the lower tax on all three services didnt negatively affect municipal to properly draft the bill. Armed with the facts she needed, Olson was able to clearly present this disparity to legislators. Norwich is extremely fortunate to have a municipally run utility. NPU is very efficient in purchasing energy and tremendously responsive to the needs of its customers, Olson added. NPU continually advocates for reliable energy policies at the state level, creates pro-active, energy efficient programs for its customers and searches for best-priced energy sources. Helping those who have trouble paying their bill Another area where NPU is curbing costs is by strengthening its approach with past due accounts. The goal is to make sure customers who pay their bills are not negatively affected by those who do not. Customers who have trouble paying their bills are urged to contact NPU to find what assistance may be available, including payment options. The NPU Customer Service Center is located at 173 North Main Street or call 887-2555. To view NPUs collection procedures, click on the Important Notices link at www.norwichpublicutilities.com. Everyone can help control rising costs Customers can start by putting energy efficient guidelines into practice at home and at work; be more informed about energy issues; and contact their State representative to voice concerns over rising energy costs. Learn more about the Connecticut General Assembly--and find your representative--at www.cga.ct.gov. Do you have ideas on curbing rising energy costs or energy efficiency? Contact NPU at communitymatters@npumail.com. NPU is very efficient in purchasing energy and tremendously responsive to the needs of its customers.  Norwich Safe Communities Coalition would like to remind everyone to practice these Storm Ready for hurricane season The 2006 hurricane season began on June 1st and runs until November 30. Severe storms typically occur during August and September in New England, but can come as early as June. This year, the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting another very active storm season for the north Atlantic--13 to 16 named storms, with eight to 10 becoming hurricanes. Four to six of these hurricanes could become `major hurricanes with strengths of category 3 or higher. Connecticuts first Storm Ready community Norwich is the first community in Connecticut to receive the prestigious Storm Ready seal of approval by NOAA. This March, dignitaries from NOAA and Washington DC presented Norwich with this distinguished designation. Storm Ready communities are better prepared to save lives from the onslaught of severe weather through better planning, education, and awareness. No community is storm proof, but Storm Ready can help communities save lives. This designation also has its benefits--Storm Ready communities receive lower National Flood Insurance rates than those without the Storm Ready seal. Gene Arters, Director of Emergency Management for Norwich, spearheaded the rigorous 18-month compliance process. Storm Ready criteria includes the setting up of comprehensive communications systems, backup and satellite communications systems, an Emergency Management Weather Information Network (EMWIN) plus equipping schools and other highly populated buildings. Chris LaRose, Operations Manager at NPU adds, Although we havent had a major storm in many years, NPU is prepared to respond to any emergency. NPU continuously reviews its emergency plans, materials and training. As in the past, we will be prepared to restore services quickly, efficiently, and safely. For more information, visit: · NOAA Storm Ready Web site at www.weather.gov/stormready · Red Cross at www.redcross.org and click on the Get Prepared link · Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security at www.ct.gov/demhs To report a power outage, call NPU at 887-2555. summer safety tips Prepare for an emergency Use the following information as a guideline: · Know what the terms hurricane WATCH and hurricane WARNING mean, and what to do when an alert is issued · Prepare a personal evacuation plan and share it with your family and co-workers · Listen to local radio or TV stations for evacuation instructions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. · Assemble a disaster supplies kit · Take essential items with you when evacuating, such as: - Prescription meds and medical supplies - Bedding and clothing, including sleeping bags and pillows - Bottled water, battery-operated radio and extra batteries, first aid kit, flashlight - Car keys and maps - Important documents, including drivers license, Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth/marriage certificates, tax records, etc. Kids love summer! They dont have to go to school, they can stay up late and best of all-- they have all day to play. Norwich Safe Communities Coalition and Safe Kids New London County remind you to follow the safety tips below to make sure your childrens summer memories are safe ones. Ride Safe! · Make sure you secure children in the age- and size-appropriate child safety seat or safety belt · Always secure children in the back seat · Study your vehicle owners manual and child safety seat instructions carefully · Children should ride in a booster seat until at least age 8 or until 49 tall Swim Safe! · Always supervise young children near water, including pools, spas, toilets, bathtubs and buckets · Insist your children wear personal flotation devices when out on boats, near open bodies of water or participating in water sports Wheel Safe! · Make sure children wear properly fitting helmets and other protective gear every time they ride their bikes, scooters, inline skates or skateboards · Teach your children the rules of the road and practice obeying traffic laws with them Walk Safe! · Never let your child under age 10 cross the street alone--teach children to obey traffic rules · Make sure your children wear retro-reflective materials, and dont let them walk alone at night. If they must walk at dawn or at dusk, make sure they carry a flashlight Storm safety tips · Prepare your home for high winds · Stay clear of downed wires · Turn off the air conditioner and unplug appliances · Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances · If caught outside, take shelter under the shorter trees if in wooded area · If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately Play Safe! · Always supervise your children at playgrounds or in the backyard. Make sure they play on a safe surface, such as mulch, rubber or sand · Make sure children wear the right, properly fitted protective gear when they practice and play team sports! Source: Safe Kids World Wide (2006) www.safekids.org  Energy efficiency: the solution to peak summer demand Possible record-breaking electricity demands have been forecasted for this summer by ISO New England, the not-forprofit corporation responsible for the operation of New Englands electricity system. Stephen G. Whitley, ISO New Englands Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, said, The region or local areas could experience tight supply situations if generation is constrained or if hot and humid weather increases demand. Whitley added, Without... greater energy efficiency and conservation, New England could soon be consuming more electricity than it can produce or buy from its neighbors. Lowering peak-period energy demand helps consumers lower their bills High-demand days are based on temperature, humidity and time of year, and usually occur during July and August. ISO New England calls these degree days and issues alerts so that areas can reduce strain on the energy system infrastructure. When summer days are at their hottest, consumers need to lower electricity demand. This puts less strain on the power grid and less strain on their wallets too, said John Bilda, General Manager of Norwich Public Utilities. NPU: Offering energy efficiency solutions The NPU efficienc  ");
array_files[27]=new Array(0,4,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/pdfs/Commercial_rates.pdf","2007-08-01","115K"," Commercial rates","","","Commercial Rates Natural Gas General Gas Service Rate GG General City Gas Service Available for all gas use by Commercial and Industrial customers where distribution facilities are suitable for the services required. Customer Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30.00/month January 2006 Available only to Departments of the City of Norwich for all gas use. All gas uses per month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .@.9600/CCF Purchased Gas Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . .varies each month Rate (PGA) will be applied to all CCF billed Additional Details: There is a minimum monthly charge equal to the Customer Charge that pays for maintaining local systems for natural gas and funds local operational costs. CCF is 100 cubic feet, the standard measurement unit for natural gas. You are charged for the natural gas you use monthly, based on your meter reading. The purchased gas adjustment is needed to reflect the costs of natural gas from our wholesale supplier. Natural gas prices rise and fall based on supply and demand issues. When the cost of natural gas increases, NPU reflects this increase with an adjustment per cubic foot of natural gas that you use. GAS [Natural Gas Supply, Distribution, Storage] First 200 CCF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .@.9950/CCF All over 200 CCF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .@.8362/CCF Purchased Gas Adjustment . . . . . . . . .varies each month Rate (PGA) will be applied to all CCF billed The minimum charge shall be the Customer Service Charge of 30.00 per month. A monthly penalty charge equal to 1.5% of the unpaid balance not paid within 25 days of the billing date. Commercial & Industrial Gas for Space Heating Rate GSH Electricity Available to any Commercial and Industrial customers for separately metered gas space heating and air conditioning gas service. Water heating may also be included if the entire building is heated with gas. The term of availability of this rate shall be for 12 months and yearly thereafter. GAS [Natural Gas Supply, Distribution, Storage] All CCF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .@.8340/CCF Purchased Gas Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . .varies each month Rate (PGA) will be applied to all CCF billed The minimum charge shall be the Customer Service Charge of 30.00 per month. A monthly penalty charge equal to 1.5% of the unpaid balance not paid within 25 days of the billing date. Customer Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30.00/month Small Commercial Light And Power Rate ESC Available to Commercial and Industrial customers and Houses of Worship for lighting, heating, cooking, refrigeration, and power uses, where distribution facilities are suitable for the service requested, and where the load does not exceed 10 kW as measured or otherwise determined by the Utility. For Houses of Worship only, demand may exceed 10 kW. Rate Customer Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8.40/month First 750 kWh Per Month . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.1170 per kWh All over 750 kWh Per Month . . . . . . . . . . .0.1084 per kWh Purchased Power Adjustment . . . . . . . . . varies each month Rate (EPP) will be applied to all kilowatt hours billed Minimum charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8.40/month Large Power Customer Rate EP Available to any large Industrial or Commercial customer with an actual demand of 100 KVA or larger for power, lighting, heating, refrigeration  Commercial Rates and cooking uses, where distribution facilities are not suitable for the service requested. Rate Capacity Charge For any part of the first 100 KVA capacity requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .645.00/month For all excess KVA capacity requirements per month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.45 per KVA Energy Charge First 250 kWh per KVA of billing capacity requirements per month . . . . . . .0.0749 per kWh All excess kWh per KVA of billing capacity requirements per month . . . . . . .0.0483 per kWh Purchased Power Adjustment ­ The Purchased Power Adjustment Rate (EPP) will be applied to all kilowatt hours billed. page 2 January 2006 Commercial and Industrial Light & Power Rate EC Terms of payment are Net 25. Your account will be charged a late payment penalty equal to 1.5% of the unpaid balance. Available to Commercial and Industrial customers for lighting, heating, cooking, refrigeration and power uses, where distribution facilities are suitable for the service requested and where the load exceeds 10 kW. Rate Capacity Charge For any part of the first 10 kW capacity requirements Per Month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .= 53.40 All over 10 kW Per month . . . . . . . . . . .@ 5.34 per kW Energy Charge First 150 kWh per kW of billing capacity requirements Per Month . .@ 0.0932 per kWh All excess kWh per kW of billing capacity requirements Per Month . .@ 0.0729 per kWh Minimum Charge ­ The minimum charge per month shall be the total capacity charges but not less than 53.40 per month. Primary Metering ­ Where the service is metered at the Utilities primary voltage, all kilowatt hour readings will be reduced by 2% to obtain billing quantities. Primary Metering ­ Where the service is metered at the Utilities primary voltage, all kilowatt hour readings will be reduced by 2% to obtain billing quantities. Minimum Charge ­ The minimum monthly charge will be the total capacity charge, but not less than 645.00 per month. Determination of the Capacity Requirements ­ The capacity charge will be based on the greatest 15-minute KVA demand capacity requirement within the current billing month measured by suitable demand metering devices or otherwise determined by the Utility, but not less than 80% of the highest demand measured in the 11 months prior to the billing month, nor less than 100 KVA. Facilities Ownership Discount ­ If the service is taken at primary distribution voltage and the Norwich Public Utilities is relieved of installing the service transformers and substation equipment, except the metering equipment, a credit shall be applied to the bill equal to 0.40 per KVA of capacity requirements. Determination of the Capacity Requirements ­ The capacity charge will be based on the greatest 15-minute kW demand capacity requirement within the current billing month measured by suitable demand metering devices or otherwise determined by the Utility, but not less than 80% of the highest demand measured in the 11 months prior to the billing month, nor less than 10 kW. Purchased Power Adjustment ­ The Purchased Power Adjustment Rate (EPP) will be applied to all kilowatt hours billed.  Commercial Rates City and State Uses  General City Available only to the City of Norwich and its Utility Departments for all uses except street and traffic lights. Rate All kWh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.0895 page 3 January 2006 Rate All kWh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.1288 per kWh per kWh Purchased Power Adjustment ­ The Purchased Power Adjustment Rate (EPP) will be applied to all kilowatt hours billed. Purchase Power Adjustment ­ The Purchased Power Adjustment Rate (EPP) will be applied to all kilowatt hours billed. Minimum Charge ­ The minimum charge shall be the charge for all kWh taken.  Private Area Lighting Minimum Charge ­ The minimum charge shall be the charge for all kWh taken. Available to customers for lighting purposes.  City Street Lighting Available only to the City of Norwich for street lighting purposes. Rate All kWh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.1252 Purchased Power Adjustment ­ The Purchase Power Adjustment Rate (EPP) will be applied to all kilowatt hours billed. Minimum Charge ­ The minimum charge shall be the total charge for the month. Code HH70 H100 H250 H400 H150 per kWh Size Purchased Power Adjustment ­ The Purchased Power Adjustment Rate (EPP) will be applied to all kilowatt hours billed. 70W Hi Pressure Sodium Monthly Charge 7.21 11.17 8.50 8.47 kWh Per Light 42 106 164 106 161 288 411 29 63 100W Hi Pressure Sodium 250W Hi Pressure Sodium 400W Hi Pressure Sodium 100W Mercury Vapor 250W Mercury Vapor 400W Mercury Vapor 700W Mercury Vapor 175W Mercury Vapor 150W Hi Pressure Sodium 13.57 18.32 13.48 18.00 31.30 Minimum Charge ­ The minimum charge shall be the charge for all kWh taken. M100* M250* M400* M700* M175* 12.49 44 78  City Traffic Lights Available only to the City of Norwich for traffic lights. Rate All kWh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.0979 M1000*1000W Mercury Vapor per kWh * Not available to new customers. 39.09 Purchase Power Adjustment ­ The Purchased Power Adjustment Rate (EPP) will be applied to all kilowatt hours billed. Minimum Charge ­ The minimum charge shall be the charge for all kWh taken.  State Traffic Lights and Unmetered Services Available to the State of Connecticut for traffic lights and other unmetered services. Additional Details: There is a minimum monthly charge equal to the customer charge that pays for maintaining local systems for electricity and funds local operational costs. KWH is kilowatt hours and is the standard unit measurement for electricity. You are charged for the electricity you use monthly, based on your meter reading. The purchased power adjustment is needed to reflect the costs of electricity from our wholesale supplier. When the cost of electricity increases, NPU reflects this increase with an adjustment per kilowatt hour of electricity that you use. Terms of payment are Net 25. Your account will be charged a late payment penalty equal to 1.5% of the unpaid balance.  Commercial Rates Water & Sewer Water Rates Available to all metered customers, whether Residential, Commercial or Industrial. Meter up to 1 1/2 Meter over 1 1/2 All meters First 5 CCF First 5 CCF All over 5 CCF 2.00 per CCF 1.67 per CCF 1.67 per CCF page 4 January 2006 Connection 2, 3 or 4 connection 1st connection Each additional connection 6 connection 1st connection Each additional connection 8 connection 1st connection Each additional connection 10 connection 1st connection Each additional connection 12 connection  ");
array_files[28]=new Array(0,4,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/pdfs/Com_Matters_September05.pdf","2007-08-01","256K"," Community Matters September 2005","","","Communitymatters Use Water Wisely NORWICH PUBLIC UTILITIES SEPTEMBER 2005 · Reduce running water use. Dont run water while brushing your teeth, or shaving. Keep drinking water in your fridge so you dont have to run water to get it cold to drink. Rinse dishes with water in the sink or in a pan, rather than with running water. · Thaw food in the microwave, or the fridge, not with running water. · Run you dishwasher when its full, not with a partial load. Youll save water and electricity. Conserving water is easy Conserving once you get in the habit. Here are some easy tips for everyone in your home to save water. · Flushing the toilet is one of biggest uses of water in the home. Dont flush just to get rid of bugs or trash. · A 10-minute shower uses about 25 gallons. If you take a daily shower, and were to shorten it to 5 minutes, that would save over 85 gallons of water each week. · Lawn watering should be done no more than once per week. An hour of watering delivers the right amount of water to your lawn so that it grows deeper roots and can tolerate longer periods without water. If you keep your grass a bit longer, it wont dry out as fast. · Consider washing your car with buckets of water, rather than a running hose. · Fix any and all leaks! Check under sinks, faucets, toilets and outdoor taps for leaks. · Use the right amount of water when you wash clothes. Adjust the load setting for the amount of clothes, or run it when you have a full load only. · Install a rain barrel to collect water from your downspout. Use the water for your garden. · Plant drought-tolerant ornamental grasses, groundcover or shrubs where your property gets a lot of sun. Mulch your gardens to keep moisture in the soil. Keep it Clean You can help reduce pollution in our water systems with these tips. Additional tips and information are available at: Connecticut Department of Environment Protection 860-424-3000 www.epa.gov/water/states/CT/ Connecticut Department of Public Health Drinking Water Division: 860-509-7333 www.dph.state.ct.us/BRS/Water/DWD.htm · Restrict your use of lawn chemicals. Run-off from your lawn can enter the storm drain and can pollute our rivers. · Do not pour motor oil, or paint down the drain. Latex paint can be disposed of in the trash after it has dried in the can. · Dispose of pet waste properly so it does not wash into the storm drain. · Report any suspected pollution activities you see at commercial and industrial sites, or by anyone in or around the reservoirs. US Environmental Protection Agency Safe Drinking Water Act Hotline: 800-426-4791 www.epa.gov/owm/landtips.htm  Communitycalendar NORWICH PUBLIC UTILITIES SEPTEMBER What other card in your wallet gives you free access to books and CDs, magazines and movies and all sorts of other resources that can change your life ­ or just make it a little more fun? Otis Library will join public libraries across the country to promote `library card sign-up month this September. Initiated by the Public Library Association (part of the American Library Association), the annual campaign will feature special events such as Family Fun Day at Mohegan Park (Sept. 18) and Banned Books Week ­ Celebrating Freedom to Read (Sept. 24 ­ Oct. 1). Public libraries are partners for a vibrant and educated community. They are essential for a free people, and places of opportunity for all. Why not stop by the Otis Library at 2­6 Cliff Street to get your library card. For more information, you can call 860-889-2365 or see the librarys web site at www.otislibrarynorwich.org. And dont forget that a library card is the most important school supply of all! TASTE OF ITALY This year marks the 14th Annual Taste of Italy, to be held on Saturday September 10th at the Howard Brown Park. It all began in 1991 when a group of Italian-American leaders within the Norwich community decided to hold an old-fashioned Italian-style family get-together to celebrate Christoforo Colombos discovery of America.They decided to invite the whole community! Their group evolved into the Italian Heritage and Cultural Committee, and the event has become one the most popular festivals in Norwich. This years event will feature a juried arts and craft show, along with lots of free entertainment including the Luis Pabon dancers, strolling musicians and a live band. In true Italian tradition there will be plenty of food with over 21 food vendors offering items for sale from stromboli to tiramisu. In addition to the cooking tent, an additional dining tent offers patrons a place to sit and enjoy the food and entertainment.And dont forget the fireworks display at 9 pm.What better way to spend an early fall day with the family then at this years annual Taste of Italy. S.P.R.O.U.T.S. ­ SPECIAL PEOPLE REACHING OUT UNCONDITIONALLY TO STUDENTS Interested in mentoring a child for the upcoming school year? The SPROUTS program is a partnership of the Greater Norwich Community Leadership Team and Norwich Public Schools, along with Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Beneficial to children in the program and to their mentors, this is a terrific way to get involved with your community. Contact Debbie Kievits or Sherry Filiatreault at 823-3782 ext. 26 for more information. September 17 UCFS Family Fun Fest: Celebrate United Community & Family Services 27th year at this fair featuring activities for kids and their families. Snacks, crafts, face painting, balloons, health checks and family safety info. Call Cindy Brown at UCF at 889-2375 for more information. September 17 & 18 Thames Valley 8th Annual Gem & Mineral Show: Featuring mineral displays, silent auction, and jewelry making from 16-plus dealers. A unique September 8, 9 & 10 Grecian Festival: Enjoy the foods and music of the Greek American Community in Norwich at their 30th annual festival featuring fresh baked goods, gyro booth and traditional meals. 11 am-9 pm daily. Contact Father Paul at Holy Trinity Greek Or thodox Church at 887-1458. September oppor tunity for holiday gifts or have an item wire-wrapped into a piece of jewelr y. Event held at Norwich Tech School at 590 New London Tpke. Sat.10am-6pm and Sun.10 am-5pm. Contact Al Peret at 889-2803 or Andrey Shashok at 823-1717. september Sunday 4 11 18 25 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 1 8 Friday 2 9 16 23 30 Saturday 3 September 22 Wine & Roses: Annual Wine Tasting Benefit for the Tommy Toy Fund held under the tent at the Marina at American Wharf. Enjoy fine wine, enter tainment and hors doeuvres from 5:30-8:00pm. Call Cathy Cline at 887-9211 for more information. September 18 Family Fun Day: Share your family with your community! Food, fun and games for all including Harry O Youth Race. Join the fun from 11am-4pm at Mohegan Park. For more information all Sherry Filiatreault at 823-3782. Labor City Council Day Meeting 5 6 7 14 21 28 10 17 24 12 13 20 15 22 29 19 26 *27 Here to Serve You * NPU Board of Commissioners Meetings Visit a special link on our web site for more information: www.norwichpublicutilities.com/communitymatters Please call, fax or email us your questions, comments and suggestions. Norwich Public Utilities, 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360 Tel: 860-887-2555 Fax: 860-823-4172 Email: communitymatter s@npumail.com This bulletin is printed on paper with 20% post-consumer fiber, and it costs about 6 cents to print. Proudly Printed in Norwich by Thames Printing.  ");
array_files[29]=new Array(0,4,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/pdfs/Com_Matters_November04.pdf","2007-08-01","382K"," Community Matters November-December 2004","","","Communitymatters NORWICH PUBLIC UTILITIES NOV/DEC 2004 As the coldest months approach and fuel prices soar, you are likely concerned about how much you pay for your utilities. You may have looked at a bill and wondered what your money pays for and whether you are paying too much. This issue explains how rates are established and what can force them to increase. The NPU Business Model Understanding Your Bill CUSTOMER CHARGE: This is a fixed cost, charged at the same rate each month- one charge for electricity, as well as one for natural gas. It pays for some of the costs to run NPU. For example, services like meter reading and customer service can be included in this fee. This fee is subject to increases from time to time reflecting inflation and increased operating costs. Norwich Public Utilities operates under municipal ownership, which means that it is owned by its customers and the city of Norwich. NPU turns over 10% of its total billings to the citys general fund. Last year, that amounted to 4.8 million dollars. The city, in turn, can use this money to support the community. The business model of NPU is cost based which means that customers pay rates that reflect the cost of the services provided. At investor-owned utilities, profits may be maximized for return to individual investors, which forces customer rates higher. In contrast, NPUs municipal ownership returns funds directly to the community it serves. Utility rates can be confusing because they reflect many different costs, some volatile and others fixed for one year or more. NPU does not collect extra profit on energy supply costs, so cost increases cannot be absorbed by NPU. Cost increases, and cost savings are passed on to customers. To ease the pain of cost increases, Norwich balances the needed adjustments over a period of time so that large price spikes are not reflected in monthly bills. ... continued on page 2 You will see adjustments to your electricity and natural gas rates that may increase or decrease your bill. These are needed because both of these energy sources are subject to price fluctuations. NPU develops its rates based on a forecasted cost of the supply. Sometimes, the actual rate is more, or less, than this forecasted rate. When this occurs, the cost increase, or cost savings, are shown as an adjustment. PURCHASED POWER ADJUSTMENT & PURCHASED GAS ADJUSTMENT ELECTRICITY RATE [ELEC RATE] The rate for your electricity is made up of a number of costs: This is the cost of producing the electricity at the power plant. GENERATION COSTS This pays for the costs of building and maintaining the grid of towers and cables that move power from the power plant to sub-stations. TRANSMISSION COSTS Covers the costs to distribute the power from local sub-stations to individual homes and businesses and maintain the system for local reliability. DISTRIBUTION COSTS  ... continued from page 1 GAS RATE [GAS RATE] The natural gas rate is made up of a number of costs: GAS SUPPLY & TRANSMISSION This pays for the production costs for natural gas, as well as transporting it through pipelines to the local area. Pays for maintaining the local area pipeline systems that deliver the natural gas to your home. DELIVERY Concerned About Higher Prices? Prices for electricity and natural gas supplies While there are government-sponsored programs to aid families in fluctuate for many reasons. Increased demand, need of assistance to pay for home heating costs, its simply not enough. or simply a forecasted increase in demand can Operation Fuel provides crisis funding to people who are not eligible for cause prices to go up. Natural gas is traded on other state aid. For some families, an unexpected medical cost can mean the commodities market, and more recently, there is no money to pay for essential services like heating the home. Last prices have increased purely because traders year, Operation Fuel assisted over 4700 families in Connecticut. This year, can make money by driving the prices higher. with rising fuel costs, the need is forecasted to be even greater. Please Natural gas producers set prices based on consider making a donation to Operation Fuel this season. To donate what the market will pay. If you use natural gas 1 per month, simply check the box on your utility bill. For other donation to heat your home you have no choice but to amounts, please see the Operation Fuel web site at www.operationfuel.org. pay the price dictated by increased market If you think you will have financial difficulty in meeting payments for speculation and trading. Home heating oil has home heating, we urge you to contact us. There are recent changes to also had sharp price spikes, hitting all time high federal and state sponsored benefits programs that may adversely records recently. Adding to this, electricity rates affect you. HOME HEATING TIPS are expected to increase because some power is generated by oil. All in · Use a programmable thermostat to automatically control your furnace to lower temperatures all, consumers will feel when you are not at home, or when you are sleeping. the pinch of higher · Keep your heating system well maintained so furnace filters are clean and ducts are clear. prices. We invite you to Ensure that vents are not covered by furniture. visit our web site for · Ensure doors and windows are sealed with weather stripping or caulking. more information about · Close the damper on your wood-burning fireplace when not in use. steps being taken to · Consider purchasing a high efficiency furnace that wastes less fuel. advocate change to the · Make sure your home, including the ducts that run through your home are well insulated. current natural gas · Install a carbon monoxide detector to alert you of dangerous emissions in your home from oil pricing system. or gas-burning furnaces. Warmer Homes, Warmer Hearts Here to Serve You Visit a special link on our web site for more information: www.norwichpublicutilities.com/communitymatters Please call, fax or email us your questions, comments and suggestions. Norwich Public Utilities, 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360 Tel: 860-887-2555 Fax: 860-823-4172 Email: communitymatter s@npumail.com This bulletin is printed on paper with 20% post-consumer fiber, and it costs about 6 cents to print. Proudly Printed in Norwich by Thames Printing.  ");
array_files[30]=new Array(0,4,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/pdfs/Com_Matters_May05.pdf","2007-08-01","608K"," Community Matters May 2005","","","Communitymatters Who Governs Electricity? NORWICH PUBLIC UTILITIES MAY 2005 In a previous issue of Community Matters, we talked about how electricity gets from its source (generation) to your home. In this issue, we explain how that process gets further complicated by a number of governing bodies involved as well. Even though you are the customer for electricity, you will read how many decisions made do not serve in your best interests. ISO-NE ­ Set up to manage system reliability in the region. FERC ­ Supposed to regulate in the economic interest of the American public. GENERATION TRANSMISSION DISTRIBUTION NPU & NPU Board of Commissioners ­ Responsible to you & the local community. HOMES FERC ­ FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION The FERCs mission is to regulate and oversee energy industries in the economic and environmental interest of the American public. The FERC is run by commissioners appointed by the President of the United States. They are in charge of regulating the generation (supply) and transmission systems for electricity and natural gas, but do not regulate any consumer (retail) sales. They are also required to oversee the accounting and financial reporting of energy generation and transmission companies. ISO ­ NE New England has an `Independent System Operator . ISO New England was set up after electric market deregulation in order to manage the generation and transmission of electricity in the region. They are charged with managing system reliability, the fair administration of the local wholesale market, and the regions need for bulk power. They are independent from the financial interests of energy companies. overhead and underground wires, and poles in Norwich. We also purchase the bulk energy that you receive. We maintain system reliability for both residential and commercial customers, and we provide consultation and project management services with regard to utility services for new construction projects. Our mandate is to provide the best service for our customers. Our business model is structured so that customers pay rates that reflect the costs of the services provided. Ten percent of the total billings are turned over to the Citys general fund where they are put back into the community. NORWICH BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSIONERS NORWICH PUBLIC UTILITIES Our job is to build and maintain the local electricity infrastructure including substations, The Board of Commissioners governs Norwich Public Utilities. The City Council appoints members from the community to this fiveperson board. Their mission is to ensure that NPU is fiscally responsible and serving the communitys best interests. The Board approves rate changes when it is necessary to do so. Meetings are held once a month and are always open to the public.  Who Stands Up For You? FERC? When the FERC was established in 1977, its mission was to make sure that wholesale electricity prices were `just and reasonable. They were supposed to ensure that utilities did not take advantage of consumers in what was then a non-competitive marketplace. Deregulation was intended to change the market from non-competitive, to competitive. The deregulation of the electricity market would encourage new companies to build power generation plants. This would mean more supply and lower prices for consumers. There was also a belief that this new competitive market would mean that the FERC would not have to monitor pricing. They believed that if companies charged too much, customers would buy from another company. The theory was that competition would prevent price gouging. But it became clear after the California energy crisis, that deregulation and competition did not prevent serious problems of consumer price gouging. When the market was deregulated, the FERC did realize that someone would have to make sure the lights stayed on. Independent System Operators (ISOs) were set up for this purpose. In New England, the ISO-NE makes sure that the area has enough power to meet the needs of its customers, and makes sure that it is transmitted reliably. But the ISO-NE is not required to concern itself with the price you pay for electricity. To recap, the FERC no longer regulates the market, believing that competition will help consumers, and the ISO-NE has never been required to concern itself with consumer prices. If we look at whats happened since deregulation began, we see many negative effects. But how did this happen? At first, more power generation companies did start selling power, so supply increased and prices went down. But then, some power generating companies went bankrupt because they couldnt make enough money. Others complained that to stay in business they would need more money. In fact if they didnt get more money, power might not be reliable and there could even be blackouts. The solution from the FERC and the ISO-NE was to pay these companies more money. You will see this in such things as the RMR charge or `Reliability Must Run contracts. It is a way of paying a premium price to a power generator to make sure there is adequate power available for our use. Even though the FERC no longer regulates the marketplace as it once did, intervention such ISO-NE? as RMR shows that the market is not competitive, nor is it based on supply and demand. Before deregulation, the FERC and state regulators would determine when and where power generating plants and transmission lines should be built, as well as how much money they should cost and how consumers would pay for these long term investments. This went along with the FERCs mission to make sure that rates were just and reasonable. Today, control of costs no longer exists. Generators, and companies who build transmission lines are not required to provide cost-based prices for services. They can set a price, and also determine how fast they want to recoup their investment from consumers. There appears to be no one standing up for you, the consumer. There appears to be no one for you, the standing up consumer NPU & THE NORWICH BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSIONERS There are no quick and easy answers, but Norwich Public Utilities is committed to be aware of all utility issues that affect you. We express our concerns in the forums available to us and we stand up for you. Our Board of Commissioners is responsible to you. They live in the community as your neighbors and understand the needs of Norwich. As the issues evolve, we will ask for your help by asking you to read more about these issues, or suggesting actions to take to let your opinions be known. Together we must represent the best interests of Norwich and a future that brings us just and reasonable rates for reliable electricity.  The American Water Works Association has proclaimed May 1 to 7 `Drinking Water Week. This is a great time to teach your children about the importance of safe, clean drinking water. Show them how to conserve this precious natural resource, and how to protect our local water sources. Get information, activities and coloring pages at their web site: http://www.awwa.org/Advocacy/dww/General/Theme.cfm Norwich Public Utilities is proud to support this celebration of water by sponsoring the National Theatre for Children troupe that recently performed their water conservation play The Water Pirates of Neverland at the Norwich elementary schools. The Wonder of Water SM SPRING & SUMMER PROGRAMS Spring Bulbs Nothing says spring like the vibrant reds and yellows of tulips and daffodils. For a new May twist, why not consider changing your indoor bulbs to compact fluorescent (CFL) ones this spring? Look for the Energy Star symbol to be sure that they use 66% less energy. CFLs provide the same amount of light with lower wattage ratings. For example, a 32-watt CFL is as bright as a 100 watt incandescent bulb. An added bonus is that CFLs are cooler to the touch. By comparison, a halogen bulb can burn at 1,000°F, which can easily burn fingers, and cause fires if they come in contact with fabric. And your CFLs will last longer too. Compact fluorescent bulbs are readily available at stores in Norwich. Norwich Police Department Says ­ Keep Us Up-To-Date The Norwich Police Department needs your help! Your contact information may be outdated or missing. This can cause unnecessary delays should we need to contact you in case of an emergency at your home or place of business. To provide your current after-hour business or residential alarm contact numbers, simply call the Norwich Police Department at (860) 8865561, extension 700, and leave your information at the prompt. Be sure to include: The Norwich Recreation Department advisory board, and the departments director, Luis DePina are pleased to provide you this update on their services and future plans. As director for 19 years, Lou has seen offerings evolve and expand to include programs such as CPR training, and babysitting courses. Each year, participation has increased, and this year an expected 5000 youth registrations will total 2000 hours of programming. Especially popular is the summer program held at the Rec Departments Mohegan Road location. Serving 300 children per session, this program includes a warm lunch prepared at the Kelly Middle School cafeteria. Free Thursday night fun runs are also a big hit and benefit from a partnership with the Mohegan Striders. The recreation department is comprised of seven full time staff, as well as many part-timers.They are responsible for over 90 acres, including 20 basketball courts, neighborhood playgrounds, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, and a swimming facility.All coaches, instructors, and volunteers are pre-qualified and subject to background checks. Perhaps the biggest challenge the department faces is finding sites for hosting activities. Budget cuts have left only 5 school gymnasiums available for after-school use. Recently, the Norwich City Council formed a committee to determine the feasibility of building a Community Center.The Community Center Exploratory Committee is in the process of surveying city residents to determine the level of support for this multi-use facility. Please be sure to visit the Citys web site at www.norwichct.org, to get more information ab  ");
array_files[31]=new Array(0,4,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/pdfs/Com_Matters_Mar05.pdf","2007-08-01","681K"," Community Matters March-April 2004","","","Communitymatters Energy Assistance NORWICH PUBLIC UTILITIES MAR/APR 2004 Rising home heating costs impact everyone. For some of us, it means putting off a vacation, or dipping into our savings. But for others in our community, it may mean forgoing basic necessities, and the reach of this hardship is much wider than you may think. The burden of energy bills can be too much for many people of many different circumstances. Perhaps you know someone who lost his job suddenly, or who had to stop working to care for a loved one. In Connecticut, there are thousands who find themselves in jeopardy of making ends meet and many of these people are working families. The goods news is that there are a variety of programs to assist those in need. For starters, the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) provides financial assistance for low-income families and other households such as seniors and those with disabilities. This program can aid both homeowners and renters by providing help with home heating costs. There are many heart-wrenching situations encountered by members of our community. In one case, a You can get more information about assistance programs by contacting the organizations directly. ­ It Might Help Someone You Know childs sudden illness turned a family of moderate means into a family in dire need. A family emergency like this may not be covered by the CEAP. But crisis-driven programs including Operation Fuel, a private not-forprofit organization, and Project Warm Up, run by the United Way, attempt to fill in the gaps left by the CEAP. And the gaps left can be significant. Operation Fuel disbursed funds of about 700,000 last year and Project Warm Up disbursed almost 100,000 to families in need in Connecticut. There are also local Norwich area utility assistance programs in place. Just this January, Norwich Human Services became an official member of the Operation Fuel network of fuel banks. In addition, one program called the Community Assistance Review Team (CART) combines the support and resources of many local agencies. CART strives to help the household not only with utility payment issues, but also with other issues that may be contributing to the customers inability to pay. If you know those in need of assistance to heat their home, please urge them to contact us, or the organizations listed below. We can all help our community stay warm. ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS Project Warm-Up (The United Way of Southeastern Connecticut) http://www.uwsect.org/partnerships/warmup.html Even if you are not eligible for energy assistance, you may be having difficulty paying your bills from time to time. Remember that we are here to help you figure out the best options for bill payment, including budget billing. Please contact our customer service department if you are having payment issues: 860-887-2555 CEAP (Connecticut Energy Assistance Program) Online at: http://www.dss.state.ct.us/svcs/energy/index.htm Or call (860) 889-1365 Operation Fuel http://operationfuel.org/ For assistance, please contact one of these organizations: Norwich Human Services ­ 823-3778 Catholic Charities ­ 889-8346  Putting Faces to the Needs The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) manages the state disbursements of funds provided federally though LIHEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program). Created in 1982, LIHEAP was intended to help low income households pay for home energy costs. The majority of assistance recipients are working families. From inception until 2000, the number of federally eligible households rose over 49 percent; however, federal fuel assistance funds rose only 22 percent. To put it simply, LIHEAP has not kept pace with the nations needs, or its intended goal. 1 2 3 4 5 6 At A Glance This has forced the state to severely restrict eligibility and create guidelines that do not adequately serve our community. Norwich Public Utilities recently sent a key senior manager directly to Congress in Washington, along with two other representatives from the state to advocate for increased federal funding and equality in funds distribution. Because we have a close relationship with our community and customers, we brought a unique perspective and were able to `put a face to the grossly under-funded program by describing the real-life situations of hard-working Norwich families in financial need for energy assistance. We presented information representing hundreds of families who have faced a sudden illness, job loss, or family emergency ­ with a clear message that it can happen to almost anyone. With natural gas and electricity price increases, more and more families are being adversely affected. Our small, but vocal group plans to continue the fight to increase funding for this important program. We believe that the costs of not properly funding LIHEAP will result in greater risks to our residents and the social programs that serve the Norwich community. Every year, thousands of eligible residents are left in the cold because they dont know about the program. If you know people who might be eligible, please encourage them to apply to this first-come, first-serve program. The application deadline for the 2004/2005 program is March 15, 2005, see CEAP contact information on front. More than 5 million ­ Projected number of households who will request government-funded energy assistance this winter across the nation ­ the highest number in 10 years 15 to 50% ­ Projected percentage increase of home heating fuel costs this year over last year according to the US Energy Information Administration 703,153 ­ Funds disbursed in Connecticut by Operation Fuel in 2003/2004 to help fill gaps left by government programs 2 billion ­ Federal appropriations for LIHEAP this year 3.4 billion ­ What many experts suggest as a more appropriate level of spending for LIHEAP to cover existing needs Here to Serve You 22% ­ Percentage of energy assistance respondents to a National Energy Directors Association survey who said they went without food for at least one day in order to pay their home energy bills Visit a special link on our web site for more information: www.norwichpublicutilities.com/communitymatters Please call, fax or email us your questions, comments and suggestions. Norwich Public Utilities, 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360 Tel: 860-887-2555 Fax: 860-823-4172 Email: communitymatter s@npumail.com This bulletin is printed on paper with 20% post-consumer fiber, and it costs about 6 cents to print. Proudly Printed in Norwich by Thames Printing.  ");
array_files[32]=new Array(0,4,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/pdfs/Com_Matters_June04.pdf","2007-08-01","459K"," Community Matters June 2004","","","Communitymatters Conservation ­ Always in Style NORWICH PUBLIC UTILITIES JUNE 2004 What is Energy Star? During the 70s, Americans felt the pain of an energy crisis. The high prices and shortages of gasoline and home heating fuels like oil and gas, forced us to think differently and change our behavior. We bought more fuel-efficient cars. We adjusted our thermostats to save money. Manufacturers of cars and appliances had to produce more energy efficient products. As we drifted through the 80s and 90s, the trend toward conservation ebbed and flowed with our economic prosperity, yet we continued to rely on the same fossil fuels for our cars and homes. And many of us bought bigger cars and larger homes. So where does that leave us today? Make no mistake about it. We should always conserve. Without a near-term replacement for fossil fuel, we will continue to rely on natural gas, oil and coal for our needs. These are all limited in supply, unstable in price, and create pollution when burned. Conservation starts with increasing our energy efficiency ­ doing more things with less energy. It may be easier than you think ­ lets look at your home. Air conditioners use the most energy. According to Energy Star, they use one-sixth of all the electricity generated in the US today. Whether you use room air conditioners, or central air, keeping your home at 78 degrees rather than 72 degrees can save about 20% on your energy bill. The diagram on page 2 shows you more ways to conserve at home. TEST YOUR ENERGY EFFICIENCY KNOWLEDGE 1. Which appliance uses the most energy? Ì Refrigerator Ì Air conditioner Ì Clothes dryer Ì Computer 2. About how thick is R-30 batt insulation? Ì 30 inches Ì 15 inches Ì 9 inches Ì 3 inches Energy Star was introduced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1992. Its major function is to provide a consistent labeling program for products that meet energy efficient standards. You may have purchased an appliance such as a washing machine with the now-familiar star symbol. More recently, the Energy Star program applies to certain new homes deeming them 30% more energy efficient than a prior building code standard. If youre planning on replacing an old appliance, look for the Energy Star symbol to save money and conserve energy. 3. If every US household replaced 4 incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents it would save the same amount of energy as removing how many cars from the road? Ì 7 million Ì 1 million Ì 100,000 Ì 50,000 *source: Alliance to Save Energy Answers: Air conditioner, 9 inches, 7 million  CONSERVING AT HOME LIGHTING [7% of total energy costs] · Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs: save 20% on lighting costs, and bulbs last 10 times longer! · Use dimmers on incandescent bulbs SWIMMING POOLS · Use a solar blanket, or solar heating system · Run your filter only a few hours each day LAUNDRY [10%] · Wash in cold: most energy used is to heat the water · Wash full loads · Line dry when you can, clean the dryer filter HOME · Insulate properly ­ R30+ in the attic, R13 for wall, R19 in the floor · Replace old windows · Check for cracks around windows and doors, seal with weather stripping or caulking AIR CONDITIONING [20 to 25% of your total energy costs] · Set for 78°, 85° when youre not home · Use a programmable thermostat for central air · Make sure your home is well insulated · Conduct regular maintenance, change the filter · Install and close shades on southern facing windows during the day · Install ceiling fans to create more even air distribution · If your system is over 15 years old, consider upgrading to a more energy efficient unit DISHES [2%] · Turn off heat dry cycle, opt for air dry · Wash full loads · Wash pots and other large dishes by hand Conservation Beyond Your Door * Always consider your health first. If you suffer any conditions that are complicated by heat, make sure you are adequately cooled. If you could drive a hydrogen fuel car today ­ perhaps you would. If you could power your entire home with clean energy without any increase in price ­ youd likely sign up. But you know that today, these alternatives do not exist. Will they exist in 5 years? 10 years? Or will we still be searching for more places to drill for oil and gas? Recent energy legislation passed by the House and the Senate weighs in on this with tax breaks. For example, there is 14 billion dollars available in tax breaks with more than half of it earmarked for the fossil fuel industry. Less than half of the money is available for renewable energy and energy efficiency provisions. If we are trying to change our reliance on fossil fuel, this does not seem to be the kind of incentive to make that happen. If we want to motivate industry to develop alternative fuels, while improving our energy efficiency, it seems that we need to reflect that in funding. We can all do our share conserving energy, but to build our future, we need to ensure that lawmakers support legislation that helps us conserve more, and change to clean, renewable energy sooner. Here to Serve You Visit a special link on our web site for more information about energy issues: www.norwichpublicutilities.com/communitymatters Please call, fax or email us your questions, comments and suggestions. Norwich Public Utilities, 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360 Tel: 860-887-2555 Fax: 860-823-4172 Email: communitymatter s@npumail.com This bulletin is printed on paper with 20% post-consumer fiber, and it costs about 6 cents to print. Proudly Printed in Norwich by Thames Printing.  ");
array_files[33]=new Array(0,4,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/pdfs/Com_Matters_July05.pdf","2007-08-01","638K"," Community Matters July 2005","","","Communitymatters The Green Green Grass of Norwich Our citys parks have always been natures host to our gatherings. In the late 1600s, settlers met at the Norwichtown Green for `trades, merchandise, public business, military exercise, sports and festivals, according to the plaque that graces the park today. So its fitting that the park continues to be used for gatherings over 300 years later. You can also enjoy the free summer concert series that takes place on Fridays (see details on back page). Perhaps the most visible Norwich park is Chelsea Parade situated between Broadway and Washington Streets. Located across from the Norwich Free Academy, many city-wide events have taken place at this locale, including the former Norwich Rose Arts Festival. At one end of the park sits the Citys memorials that pay tribute to the brave soldiers from Norwich who have served our country. The picturesque Howard T. Brown Park looks out over the Thames River and its gazebo is a favorite wedding spot. Brown Park is also a busy place for summer concerts, and festivals including 4th of July celebrations and fireworks, and the popular Taste of Italy in September. Theres a short-term small boat dock and launch available for public use. Mohegan Park is what some call the jewel of Norwich parks. At its Spaulding Pond, youll find a beach area, playgrounds and wooded walking trails. Seasonal fishing is also allowed. The park also offers two pavilions for public use with a permit. The open-aired Group Pavilion neighbors the ball field, horseshoe pits and barbeque grills. The enclosed Lakeside Pavilion can accommodate up to 80 guests. Love roses? Then you have to visit the Norwich Rose Garden, located at the corner of Judd Road and Rockwell Street. Over 2500 rose bushes grace this two-acre spot attached to Mohegan Park. NORWICH PUBLIC UTILITIES JULY 2005 Grab your picnic basket, a good book, or even your swimsuit. Get out and enjoy the parks of Norwich. You can find a perfect spot to read a good book at many smaller green spaces dotted throughout the city, including Little Plain Park in the Broadway area, as well as Laurel Hill and Bean Hill. The newest addition to the parks of Norwich is the just-opened Occum Park, a 5-acre redevelopment project started in 2000. A collaborative effort between the City of Norwich and the State of Connecticut, this former industrial area will now offer a walking track, open space for ball playing, and a picnic area. With its spectacular view of the Shetucket River, as well as access to the water for small boats and canoes, this park will surely be a popular area.  Water: From Source to Tap Turn on the tap and the water runs. But it has to be completely safe to drink, should be crystal clear in appearance, and good tasting. In this issue, we discuss Stony Brook and Deep River Reservoirs Water Treatment Plant how we make all that happen. It starts with vigilant management of our water sources, and ends with our commitment to excellent customer service. Char les W. Solomon Water Treatment Facility Stony Brook Treatment Facility Distribution 137 miles of water main Goal: Keep the source water of the highest quality, so treated water is the highest quality. Goal: · · · · · Produce crystal clear, safe, good tasting water. Goal: What We Do: · Ongoing tests of water to make sure the source water is kept as clean as possible · Monitor, inspect, and protect the area around the source (water shed) to keep it contaminant-free, to ensure no trespassing, and to keep leaves and other debris from falling into the reservoirs · Aerate the water to keep water clear and improve taste What We Do: Filter out natural impurities from the reservoir Chlorinate to disinfect water and kill bacteria Add fluoride to promote healthy teeth and gums Continuously test water at every stage of treatment Manage system duplication to ensure uninterrupted water supply Deliver the right amount of t correct pressure, to meet the provide water for fire protect What We Do: · Maintain 137 miles of wat hydrants and water tanks · Ongoing testing througho p homes and businesses to roper ly and delivering hig Treating wastewater is actually a more complex and costly process than treating drinking water. Sewer : After the Drain Wastewater Collection 120 miles main, 27 pumping stations Wastewater Treatment Over 1.6 billion gallons of waste treated annually cleaned water sludge disposal Safe , environmentally responsible removal of wastewater from customers locations. Goal: Goal: What We Do: · Maintain 120 miles of sewer pipes and the pumping stations that move waste from low lying areas up hilly terrain · Monitor flow to prevent back-ups and control odor · Respond to emergencies and service issues 24/7 to diagnose and resolve problems (887-2555) Follow an environmentally sound process to return clean water to rivers and dispose of solid waste in a responsible manner. What We Do: A complex physical, biologica to separate the water and slu t can be safely discharged into ranspor ted for incineration. · Separate wastewater into water and sludge · Return high quality water in a safe and environmentally responsible way to waterway (Thames River) · Dispose of sludge in an environmentally safe, responsible manner. The large complex plant requ electric power for equipment chemicals to run the operatio  Customers Ser vice to: Norwich, Lisbon, Lebanon, Montville, Bozrah and Preston he highest quality water at the needs of customers, and ion. er main, as well as pipes, pumps, ut the system, as well as at ensure the system is functioning h quality water Goal: Excellent customer service and high quality product. What We Do: Test. Then Test Again. · Provide customer and technical service 24/7 to address any and all issues (887-2555) · Respond to emergencies, generally within 30 minutes · Provide conservation tips to help customers use less water, as well as investigate high consumption complaints, or other usage problems Norwich Public Utilities conducts its own local testing at the reservoirs, the water treatment plants, the wastewater treatment plant, and at numerous locations throughout the distribution and collection systems. This gives us immediate results and reporting to enable us to take quick and corrective actions as needed. Elimination of Combined Sewer Overflows Norwich is one of many communities in the country eliminating CSOs, or `combined sewer overflows. Years ago, a single system gathered both stormwater and wastewater (sanitary sewer). Most of the time this worked fine, but during heavy rain, the system could fill up with stormwater and overflow. The overflow would end up directly in our rivers creating pollution. · 15,000 annual tests conducted for wastewater · 24,000 annual tests conducted on water l and chemical process is used dge . The water is cleaned so it the river.The sludge is dried and ires a substantial amount of , as well as large volumes of n continuously 24/7. Our goal has been to eliminate CSOs so that storm water and wastewater do not share a common piping system. This reduces the rainwater that enters the wastewater treatment plant and prevents wastewater from entering our rivers. We have in fact reduced overflows by 80% (262 million gallons/year) and are on track with EPA guidelines for this project. We will continue our mission to eliminate all CSOs in Norwich.  Free Fridays Norwich Summer Concerts 2005 Date June 24 July 8 July 15 July 22 July 29 August August August August Sept 2 5 12 19 26 Communitycalendar NORWICH PUBLIC UTILITIES SUMMER Group Norwich Concert Band Band Of Humans ­ Folk Rock Mass-Conn Fusion ­ Motown Fat Cats ­ Classic Rock Norwich Concert Band Incognito Sofa Love ­ Jazz/Funk The Little Big Band ­ Swing River City Slim & the Zydeco Hogs Silver Cornet Band ­ Childrens Concert Norberto Tavares ­ Cape Verdean Salsa Norwichtown Green Norwichtown Green Brown Park Gazebo Norwichtown Green Norwichtown Green Brown Park Gazebo Norwichtown Green Brown Park Gazebo Norwichtown Green (6:30 PM) Brown Park Gazebo Location July July 4th Independence Day Celebrate Americas birthday at the Marina and Brown Par k. Spar kling rockets light up the night sky synchronized to music from a local radio station. Bring a picnic or buy fresh fare offered on the grounds. Great traditional family fun! Starts at dusk (around 8 pm). Call 886-6363 for more info. July 16 & 17 Eastern CT Antique Auto Show Largest antique and classic car show in Connecticut. Held on the grounds of Dodd Stadium on Stott Avenue , Norwich. Display of hundreds of cars and antique farm equipment, auction on Saturday as well as a concert, food and prizes. Contact the Chamber of Commerce at 464-7373 for more info. July 30 Harbor Ball Black Tie Event held under the tent at the Marina at American Wharf. Music, hor s doeuvres and dancing from 7:30-12:30 pm. Call the Greater Norwich Chamber of Commerce at 887-1647 for tickets and info. Special Event August 5 Silver Cornet Band ­ 25th Annual Salute to America All concerts start at 7:00 pm unless noted Rain dates to be announced ­ Listen to WICH-1310AM Please call 886-4683 or 887-2789 for more information *Slate of performers subject to change Norwichtown Green at 6:30 PM August 2 2005 National Night Out Crime Prevention Block Party, hosted by the Norwich Police Department, 6 to 9pm at Marcus Plaza parking lot, 634 West Main Street. Give neighborhood crime and dr ugs a going away party. Hot dogs and soda provided by Shop-Rite Supermarkets. August 20 Norwich Grange Fair 172 W.Town St. 85th annual fair promoting agriculture and fun for the whole family, 10 am to 4 pm. Exhibits, silent auction, basket raffle ar ts & crafts, and bake sale. Contact Janice Wells at 889-9598 for more info. August Concer ts are sponsored by The City of Norwich, The Music Performance Fund (MPF) and The Norwich Arts Council july Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 1 8 15 22 29 Saturday august Sunday 7 14 21 28 2 9 Monday 3 10 17 24 4 11 18 25 City Council Meeting 5 6 13 20 27 7 14 21 28 City Council Meeting 1 Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 2 3 4 Friday 5 12 19 26 Saturday 6 8 9 16 *23 30 10 17 24 31 11 18 25 13 20 27 12 19 16 23 30 15 22 29 31 *26 School Starts * NPU Board of Com  ");
array_files[34]=new Array(0,4,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/pdfs/Com_Matters_December05.pdf","2007-08-01","768K"," Community Matters December 2005-January 2006","","","Communitymatters An Urgent Need to Conserve This winter, home heating costs are expected to be higher than last year. some increases by way of the purchased gas adjustment (PGA). This increase could be significant ­ with estimates as high as 50% or more than one year ago. Norwich Public Utilities customers have already seen volatility in the price of natural gas. Because natural gas is traded on the commodities exchange market, traders in the market can make demand, rather than simply the cost of producing natural gas. money when the price of natural gas increases. The price of natural Recently, the catastrophic events of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita gas is therefore subject to speculation and opinions about supply and caused dramatic price spikes. In addition, we see price increases as the Norwich Public Utilities does not make extra profit from these Last February we outlined some of the issues that cause great NORWICH PUBLIC UTILITIES DEC 05 / JAN 06 cold weather approaches. It is not a coincidence that prices increase when consumers have no choice to use the product and pay the increase. increases. The PGA reflects price increases paid by NPU that we must significant difference in the amount of energy you use, and the cost of your monthly energy bill. pass on to our customers. We therefore are urging all of our customers to adopt conservation habits wherever possible. Conservation can make a Natural gas is used as fuel in many of New Englands power generating plants. When the price of the natural gas increases, it 1.20 Purchased Gas Adjustment 1.1959 causes an increase in cost save money when you conserve electricity. for electricity. You will also PGA Rate () 1.00 0.80 0.60 0.40 An Example of the PGA Effect: 0.44073 Dec. 2003 0.515 Dec. 2004 0.62 Month/Year Aug. Nov. 2005 2005 The PGA is applied to your bill based on usage. If you use an average of 150 CCF per month in the winter, the PGA increases since last year will mean you will pay an additional 102 per month, or a total of 306 for 3 months.  Home Heating Conservation · Heating your home is the most costly use of energy. ENERGY STAR® certified furnaces deliver home heating more efficiently, using less energy. Consider upgrading your furnace if it is over 20 years old, because it is costing you more to use than modern equipment. · Maintain your furnace properly; including replacing filters, or hire a contractor to perform regular maintenance. This is important for energy efficiency and safety. Dont let your energy costs escape through leaks and drafts. Make sure windows and doors are well sealed. Home Heating Assistance Programs · Seal your house properly to keep heat from escaping. Walk around your home and feel for drafts around doors and windows. Seal drafts with weather stripping or caulking. If you notice that some rooms in your house are warm and others are cold, leaky ducts are a likely cause. Make sure your ducts are sealed especially where they join together. · Make sure your home is properly insulated. Use an R-value of 49 in the attic. · Close your fireplace damper when not in use. If you no longer use your fireplace, consider having it sealed. · Install a programmable thermostat and set a weekly routine using energy-saving lower temperatures for nighttime, and when you are away from home. Try not to `override the system with manual adjustments. You can save about 100 per year with this change alone. There are a number of programs to assist customers with the burden of home heating costs. CEAP (Connecticut Energy Assistance Program) is a state-run program that distributes the funding. They recently announced increased funding and new eligibility guidelines aimed at assisting more people this year. To apply for income-based energy assistance, please make an appointment with Norwich Public Utilities by calling our customer service center at 860-887-2555. Eligibility details are available at this web site: http://www.dss.state.ct.us/svcs/energy. There are also a number of crisis-driven programs to assist those who may not qualify for the state program, but have encountered a recent event such as job loss, or illness. Please contact one of these organizations directly for more information. Operation Fuel http://operationfuel.org/ Norwich Human Services ­ 823-3778 Catholic Charities ­ 889-8346 Project Warm-Up (The United Way of Southeastern Connecticut) http://www.uwsect.org/collaborations/p_warmup.html Even if you are not eligible for energy assistance, you may be having difficulty paying your bills from time to time. Remember that we are here to help you figure out the best options for bill payment, including budget billing. Please contact our customer service department if you are having payment issues: 860-887-2555  Norwich Fire Department Norwich Fire Department One the easiest ways to conserve energy is to use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). They use 66% less energy than incandescent bulbs. They cost more to purchase, but also last up to 10 times longer. Over the life of the light bulb, each 32-watt bulb can save 30 in energy costs. If you are an NPU electricity customer, you should have received our discount lighting catalogue that features these energy-saving bulbs. You can also buy bulbs online at www.estarlights.com, by selecting the listing for Norwich Public Utilities. *Information provided by ENERGY STAR A Bright Idea 10 North Thames Street Norwich, CT 06360 1-860-892-6080 A 32-watt energy-saving CFL provides the same amount of light as a 100-watt incandescent bulb and is cool to the touch.  Communitycalendar NORWICH PUBLIC UTILITIES DECEMBER / JANUARY december Sunday 4 11 18 25 Norwich Human Services is inviting sponsors to join its Holiday AdoptA-Family Program. A sponsor helps a family in need by providing Christmas gifts for the children.When you choose a family your giftgiving is guided by a wish list that may include clothing, shoes and toys. Your new items can be wrapped,`From Santa, with the childs name. You may also choose to provide gifts for parents, but this is not a requirement. Presents need to be delivered to Norwich Human Services offices by Thursday December 22nd. Our staff ensures that all your gifts are delivered to your family in time for Christmas. By `taking care of Christmas, your generosity helps families use their limited income for everyday bills and expenses ­ and you help make Christmas a special time for these families. For more information, contact Norwich Human Services at 823-3778. Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday ADOPT-A-FAMILY Uncas Health District announces an expanded health program for New London County residents. Take advantage of Putting on Airs, a free program to help you manage asthma­yours or that of a family member. For many, asthma-related illness increases during the fall and winter months. Putting on Airs is a home-based asthma management program. A registered nurse and environmental specialist make home visits to: identify `triggers that might be causing asthma, review medications, and help asthma sufferers develop a plan for better asthma control. The program is geared toward reducing sick days or time missed from work or school, as well as the frequency of trips to the emergency room or doctors office. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the Uncas Health District at 823-1189, ext.123 or Ledge Light Health District at 448-4882. This is a program of the New London County Asthma Action Partnership funded in part by the Connecticut Department of Public Health. December 11 ­ February 5 Haitian Art from Eastern CT State University Exhibition of over 80 works of art created by contemporar y Haitian Artists held at Slater Memorial Museum, 108 Crescent St. Call 887-2506 for more information. Januar y 7 Medieval Feast Authentic medieval food and enter tainment at Unitarian Univer salist Church of Norwich at 148 Broadway. Door s open at 6:30 pm with dinner at 7 pm. For more information, call the church at 889-1062. Asthma-Sufferer s ­ Meet Putting On Airs january Sunday 1 8 1 8 2 9 16 23 30 3 Monday City Council Meeting 5 6 13 *20 27 7 14 21 28 10 17 24 31 New Years City Council Day Meeting 2 9 Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 3 4 5 Friday 6 13 20 27 Saturday 7 10 17 *24 31 11 18 25 12 19 26 14 21 28 12 19 26 15 22 29 15 22 29 16 23 30 Christmas Day Hanukkah * NPU Board of Commissioners Meetings Here to Serve You Visit a special link on our web site for more information: www.norwichpublicutilities.com/communitymatters Please call, fax or email us your questions, comments and suggestions. Norwich Public Utilities, 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360 Tel: 860-887-2555 Fax: 860-823-4172 Email: communitymatter s@npumail.com This bulletin is printed on paper with 20% post-consumer fiber, and it costs about 11 cents to print. Proudly Printed in Norwich by Minuteman Press.  ");
array_files[35]=new Array(0,4,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/pdfs/Com_Matters_August04.pdf","2007-08-01","510K"," Community Matters August-September 2004","","","Communitymatters Clear AND Clean We are fortunate to live in an area with a rich NORWICH PUBLIC UTILITIES AUG/SEPT 2004 supply of fresh water, and even luckier to have not suffered the consequences of a restricted or Reservoir, located in Colchester, and the Stony Brook Reservoir, located in Montville, supply of clean, safe water each day. unsafe water supply. At present, the Deep River Norwich customers with over 5 million gallons ask people in communities where water has Many of us take clean water for granted. But been contaminated, or severely restricted, how how valuable water has become to them. Safe drinking water is not about convenience; its they now look at water and theyll tell you just about survival. That `drinking water serves all of our uses ­ bathing, lawn watering, laundry, and washing the car ­ averaging a whopping respect in the way of conservation and protection. 100 gallons per person, per day! It deserves our Our Job is Quality Ensuring that water in Norwich is safe is a carefully monitored and nonstop process. It starts with protection at the source. This requires ongoing inspections of the areas surrounding the reservoirs to ensure that they do not become contaminated. Working with the state regulators, the vital land area nearby is governed for limited use under the Aquifer Protection Act. This careful monitoring ensures that runoff from farming and other waste does not enter the reservoirs or surrounding ground water system. Water treatment in Norwich removes impurities through chemical treatment and filtration. Chlorine is added to disinfect the water. The pipes that distribute water through Norwich are also cleaned regularly to remove naturally occurring sediment. The water is tested at scheduled intervals to ensure that it is safe from contaminants.  Conserve & Protect Conserve CONSERVE There are 2 simple things every citizen can do to keep our water safe ­ Conserve and Protect. · Replace your 5-gallon toilet with an efficient 1.6-gallon per flush toilet · Fix leaks: Running toilets and dripping faucets can waste thousands of gallons per year · Store a jug of tap water in the fridge so you dont waste water waiting for it to get cold · Use bursts of water for shaving and brushing teeth, rather than a constant flow from the faucet · Reduce your lawn area: plant drought-tolerant ornamental grasses, groundcover, or shrubs and trees instead · Water your lawn once a week or less for one hour, and let your lawn grow longer to retain the moisture better · De-thatch your lawn so the water can reach the roots rather than running off · Mulch your gardens so they hold water longer · Garden with native plants that require less watering · Water in early morning to reduce waste through evaporation ­ your garden will prefer it too! · Teach your kids the importance of conserving water · Use compost or other organic fertilizers on your lawn and garden to prevent toxic chemicals from entering our SAFE WATER,WATER SAFETY storm water systems · Dispose of paint, grease and other chemicals The Deep River and Stony Brook reservoirs, as well as emergency supplies properly ­ never pour down the drain or in the at Fairview and Bog Meadow, are our sources for drinking water.To keep ground them free of any contaminants, they are restricted from any use by the · Have your septic tank cleaned out and public. There is no swimming, fishing, boating or skating permitted on the inspected regularly reser voirs. Please remind your children about the rules, and dangers of · Report illegal dumping or chemical spills to the reservoirs. Even strong swimmers cannot swim in cold water. the police or our customer service department Lets keep our water supply safe, and our children safe too. immediately PROTECT Sometimes you will hear about the importance of protecting the `watershed. The watershed is essentially the land that catches rain or snow, which in turn, drains into streams, rivers, lakes or groundwater. So its important to remember that contaminants in one area can reach another area via the watershed, which is why we all need to take part in protecting the watershed. For example, when you apply a pesticide to your lawn, then water your lawn, the chemical residue can enter the watershed. In some areas of North America, pesticide use for lawns has been out-right banned to combat the adverse effects of these toxic substances on our vital water sources. Protecting our water sometimes requires new thinking. For instance, rather than worrying about the perfect lawn, consider planting more trees and shrubs, adding a stone path, or starting a sun-loving vegetable garden. The end result might be not only protecting the watershed, but you may like your new relaxing oasis a lot more than a needy lawn. The Watershed Here to Serve You Visit a special link on our web site for more information about water issues: www.norwichpublicutilities.com/communitymatters Please call, fax or email us your questions, comments and suggestions. Norwich Public Utilities, 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360 Tel: 860-887-2555 Fax: 860-823-4172 Email: communitymatter s@npumail.com This bulletin is printed on paper with 20% post-consumer fiber, and it costs about 6 cents to print. Proudly Printed in Norwich by Thames Printing.  ");
array_files[36]=new Array(0,4,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/pdfs/Com_Matters_April04.pdf","2007-08-01","448K"," Community Matters April 2004","","","Communitymatters NORWICH PUBLIC UTILITIES APRIL 2004 Why You Should Read This Remember, it is your right to provide input on energy policy decisions. A Complex System Behind the Simple Switch One of the four services provided by Norwich Public Utilities is electricity. We all expect that a flip of a switch commands our lights, TVs and computers, yet the complexity behind this process is an interconnected twisting path thats been operating for over 50 years. First, power is generated at a power plant. The plant `makes power by burning fossil fuels such as oil or gas. Alternatively, power can be generated by hydro (water), wind, solar or nuclear means. Norwich receives its power from several of these sources that are companies known as power generators. Once power is generated, it cant be stored, and it must be immediately transmitted or carried over cables. In order for the power to travel long distances from the plant to other destinations, it must be kept at a very high voltage. These high voltage lines can be seen as the power `grid traveling on tall transmission towers across the If your son or daughter asked you for 100,000 for college would you simply write a check? Or would you sit down and help your teenager weigh all the options, and make the best choices for the future. And would you make sure that things were going well each year of college? If you are like most parents, you want to be involved with these decisions, not just because its your money, but also because its an important part of your future. Did you know that when it comes to issues about energy, decisions are made that affect your future, yet you might not be aware of them? As your municipally owned utility, we understand that we are responsible to you ­ our owners. We stay constantly informed of pending and proposed energy policy changes and we assess how they will affect the Norwich community. When we feel there is an issue that deserves your attention we will use a bulletin and our web site to tell you about it. We urge you to read these communications in order to become more aware and informed of these important issues. Should you wish to take action on an issue to let your views be known, we will provide you effective methods to do so. Remember, it is your right to provide input on energy policy decisions. UNDERSTANDING HOW POWER GETS TO YOUR HOME ... continued on page 2 This is a simplified look at whats involved to get power to your home. In future issues, well show you how the process gets more complicated with the many different entities involved along the way. Power is generated by various sources such as natural gas, coal and nuclear. Power comes from both nearby sources, and sources farther away. GENERATION Power is transmitted from the plant across long distances through transmission lines, commonly called the `power grid. The grid forms a complex pattern as it interconnects with others across many states. TRANSMISSION The transmission lines connect to smaller substations within the local community.The power is converted here to lower voltages so it can be distributed to customers. DISTRIBUTION Local wiring systems carry the power from the substations to individual homes, schools and businesses. Usage is measured by a meter that monitors power used. HOMES  ... continued from page 1 landscape. Connecting substations take the incoming power and transform it to a lower level voltage. The local distribution system, which is a web of several types of lines, takes the power from the substation and delivers it to customers businesses, homes and schools. Norwich Public Utilities is responsible for building, maintaining and servicing the local distribution system including substations, wires and poles. We also buy and manage the power needed for the community We need to act now to by interfacing with transmission change the reliance on companies and power generators. The first home electricity systems fuel that is both limited, came about over a century ago. and unstable in price. Many components of the power grid system in place today have been there since the 1950s. The nations system is analogous to an old house. As children were born, we added rooms on, then added more stories and so on. Today, we have a very complex `house and some say, a crumbling foundation. As well maintained as the Norwich system is, it is inescapably linked to the problems of the nations system and still relies heavily on fossil fuels instead of clean renewable sources. We need to act now to change the reliance on fuel that is both limited, and unstable in price. Deregulation has added even more complexity to the power story. The idea of deregulation was that the market would be opened up and prices for power would be related to customer demand. It was thought that this move would create more competitive markets that would result in lower costs for consumers. For a whole host of reasons, deregulation hasnt yielded the anticipated benefits for customers. In some states, notably California, deregulation lead to higher prices and poorer service. How could this have happened? Could this happen here? These are questions you should be asking. And you should also know that you are an owner of a utility and you have the right to question things which affect regional and national energy policy and share your concerns. There is no quick fix for todays electricity market. But at Norwich we believe the entire system requires the input of people like you, not just big industry, or a select group of people. In order to create a new system that functions for everyone, we invite you to become involved with us and build a future that works. WHY ELECTRICITY IS SO COMPLEX Once electricity is generated, it must be used ­ it cannot be stored. So generators must know how must know where to send it and demand and much power to make, transmitters and distributors supply must always be in balance.This is why usage is monitored across the country very carefully. Last summer, many of our neighboring states a plant hundreds of miles away from them. experienced a blackout said to have started at One little glitch can wreak havoc on the system. There is no quick fix for todays electricity market. But at Norwich we believe the entire system requires the input of people like you, not just big industry, or a select group of people. Independent System Operators (IS0s) were created to manage the supply and demand of electricity with the advent of deregulation. Their guidelines are to provide fair and open access to electricity and they function as nonprofit. ISO New England manages 6 states and consults with NEPOOL (New England Power Pool) which is a group of 200 entities involved with various parts of the process from generation to transmission and distribution. The ISO influences our future as well. For example, Connecticut has been deemed a congested area for the power grid. As such, there are implications that may mean higher rates ­ a type of penalty paid by consumers for the higher demand. The idea is that these higher rates will create an incentive for suppliers of electricity to invest more in these congested areas. But will more money in the pockets of the power generators and transmitters lead to an improved supply system? Let us know what you think. Call us or visit our web site. Who is the ISO? Here to Serve You Visit a special link on our web site for more information about energy issues: www.norwichpublicutilities.com/communitymatters Please call, fax or email us your questions, comments and suggestions. Norwich Public Utilities, 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360 Tel: 860-887-2555 Fax: 860-823-4172 Email: communitymatter s@npumail.com This bulletin is printed on paper with 20% post-consumer fiber, and it costs about 6 cents to print. Proudly Printed in Norwich by Thames Printing.  ");
array_files[37]=new Array(0,4,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/pdfs/CleanCities-Nov2006.pdf","2007-08-01","459K"," Clean Cities November 2006","","","CONNECTICUT CLEAN CITIES CONNECTION www.ccities.doe.gov A Connecticut Clean Cities Coalition Publication Volume 4 Issue 4, November 2006 Advanced Technology Bus Project Awaiting Final Approval n prior issues of the Connecticut Clean Cities Connection a proposed alternative fuel vehicle project entitled Advanced Technology Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) was described, noting the initial approved federal funding of 2.215 million. During the second and third quarters of 2006, the project team responded to requests from the Federal Transit Administration for additional functional and cost detail, culminating in a final confere n ce call in late September. Southeast Area Transit (SEAT), who will be the designated recipient of the I funds and Project Manager for the project, anticipates receiving final authorization to embark on the project in the fourth quarter of 2006. At that point initial route analysis and alternative fuel vehicle transit bus selection activities will commence. The current plan is to place two advanced technology buses, equipped with BRT system equipment, on existing SEAT routes to measure operational and rider response parameters and compare those measurements with the conventional diesel the buses. Choice event, o Our annual Advance theIsland Clean Connecticut/Rhode r Vehicle Expo and Workshop, will be held at n the Mohegan Sun Conference Center on Nov e 20, 2006 (see pg 4 for more information.) Comr ments from attendees have always been favorable - they consider the information gained as a very valuable use of their time. This event has been a great way to get people from all over the states of Connecticut and Rhode Island to exchange ideas and talk to real life users of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs.) Thanks to our sponsors, we will again be able to offer free admission to all the talks and vehicle displays. The information presented at this forum will be just what you need to help you make decisions regarding all aspects of AFVs, whether you are a manager, a technical specialist or an equipment operator. Please go to www.cleancitiesctri.com and register today. On a less positive note, the next issue of Connecticut Clean Cities Connection will be our last publication. Our thanks goes to the U.S. Department of Energy for their financial support and to the Norwich Public Utilities for their financial, professional, layout and circulation support. It takes a lot of time to put this newsletter together and the people that provided drafts of articles gave us a head start on each issue. We will have more on this in the next issue. - Peter Polubiatko, Norwich Clean Cities Coordinators Norwich Public Utilities Sponsors Technical High School Students at CT Electrathon Challenge orwich Regional Vocational Technical Schools Computer Aided Drafting and Design students competed in the Electrathon Challenge held on Friday, October 20th at Lime Rock Raceway in Lakeville, Connecticut. The Connecticut Electrathon Challenge offers a unique way to weave design and engineering principles into the current curriculum. The 9 person student crew from Norwich Tech, which included 2 drivers, completed an impressive 78 laps. Overall, 18 schools from New England and New York competed in this years event. The goal of Electrathon is to provide a learning experience that will build public awareness of the capabilities and potential of efficient electric vehicles. Developed around specific rules designed to keep cost down and competition high, these unique vehicles offer an opportunity and challenge to experiment, learn, and compete. The competition requires teams to drive an electric vehicle as far as N continued on page 3  ENERGY POLICY ACT PROVISIONS THAT MAY AFFECT YOU This is the fourth and final article of a four part series that extracts certain sections of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 that may impact your operations, whether a large fleet or just a single vehicle. Most of the information is from the Clean Cities and U.S. Alternative Fuels Data Center website: www.eere.gov/ cleancities. For the full text of the Act, visit the Thomas Register on the Library of Congress Web site, and search by Bill Number for HR 6. The four part series has covered the following topics in succeeding newsletters starting with Volume 3, Issue 4: 1. Tax Credits 2. Grant Programs and Specific Fuel sections of the Act 3. Financing available for research and education programs 4. Vehicle Replacement, Upgrade and Fuel Economy Programs This issue covers item 4, the Vehicle replacement, upgrade and fuel economy programs section of the Act. Section 702 - Federal Fleets Incremental Cost Distribution - Requires the U.S. General Services Administration (and other federal agencies that procure vehicles for fleets) to spread the incremental vehicle costs across all vehicles. This mandate modifies 42 USC 13212 (EPAct 1992 Section 303). Section 707 - Excluded Vehicles: Electric Utility Emergency Vehicles - Clarifies that excluded emergency vehicles include those used directly to repair transmission lines and restore electric service as determined by the Secretary of Energy. Section 712 - Efficient Hybrid and Advanced Diesel Vehicles - Directs Department of Energy to establish a program to encourage the domestic production and sale of efficient hybrid and advanced diesel vehicles. The Act authorizes such funds as necessary from 2006 to 2015. Section 759 - Fuel Economy Incentive Requirements - Requires automobile manufacturers to label all dual-fuel (bi-fuel and flex-fuel) vehicles to inform owners that the vehicle can be operated on an alternative fuel. If any dual-fuel automobile is not labeled, it is ineligible to receive the fuel economy incentives included in Section 32906(a) and (b) of U.S. Code (http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgibin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc&docid=Cite: +49USC32905) Title 49, Subtitle VI, Part C, Chapter 329. This requirement applies to dual-fuel automobiles manufactured on or after September 1, 2006. Page 2, Vol 4 Issue 4 Section 771 - Fuel Economy Standards Authorizes additional funding to support National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) work on fuel economy standards. EPAct 2005 authorizes 3.5 million each year 2006-2010. Section 772 - Extension of Maximum Increase for Alternative Fueled Vehicles - Modifies the incentives for dual-fuel AFVs by extending the current CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) credits for dual-fuel AFVs through 2010. It also authorized NHTSA to consider extending the incentives through 2014. Section 773 - Study of Reducing Use of Fuel for Automobiles - Directs NHTSA to study feasibility and effects of significantly reducing petroleum consumed by automobiles by model year 2014. The study will examine and make recommendations regarding the current CAFE requirements; ways automakers can contribute toward achieving significant reductions; potential impacts fuel cell vehicles can make toward petroleum reduction; and the effects petroleum reduction would have on gasoline supplies, the auto industry, motor vehicle safety, and air quality. The report is due to Congress in August 2006. Section 774 - Update Fuel Economy Test Procedures - Requires EPA to evaluate and/or adjust fuel economy test procedures to reflect real-world driving scenarios (higher speeds, faster acceleration, temperature variation, use of air conditioning, etc.). Large i o n a l O d yPlant Opensa yCT N a t Scale Biodiesel s s e y D in Showcases Alternative Transportation Technologies ach year the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium sponsors Odyssey Day, a one day event held throughout the United States, highlighting alternative fuels and vehicles. One of these events was held at the North Haven Campus of Gateway Community College on October 13, 2006. Various alternative fuel vehicles and hybrids were displayed and a demonstration given given on how biodiesel fuel is made. Included in Governor the Gover or Jodi Rell, Lee Grannis, and Conthe ongoingncurriculum at Gateway is a course gresswomen Rosa DeLauro joined and repair grproblemediagnosis, maintenanceBioPur Inc. of esswom n on co-owners Chris Glynos hybrid vehicles. Those natural gas, biodiesel andand George Linaros at the the grand opening of their new contact Anthointerested in the curricula shouldBethlehem, CT facility. ar more information on BioPur, visit ny ny Rish atForish@gwcc.commnet.edu. their website at www.biopurinc.com. E  G r e a t e r New Haven Clean C o n n D O T Program Delayed he Connecticut Department of TransportaCities Fuel Cell Bus Project tio s (ConnDOT) Congestion and Mitigation Has Ne w T e a m M e m b e r s Air QualitynAlternative Fuel Vehicle (CMAQ AFV) T he Greater New Haven Clean Cities (GNHCC) fuel cell bus project, reported previously in the Clean Cities Connection, has recently been rescoped to include several new team members. A new demonstration site has also been added as reported by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). New team members include the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA), the University of South Carolina and the Central Midlands Rapid Transit Authority (RTA.) Additionally, the demonstration sites will include one in South Carolina as well as the one in Connecticut. The bus developed through this program will be considered a pre-commercial hybrid electric fuel cell bus, but ultimately will meet the commercialization goals of the National Fuel Cell Bus Program and the transit industry. The technology team will introduce a Super Battery specific to this transit vehicle application that is expected to realize significant cost savings and weight reductions in the long term. The teams proposed configuration of parallel two fuel cell stacks, working in parallel when needed and alternately in a single configuration when load demands are less, could provide a combined stack life in the 8000+ hour range, compared to current large fuel cell stack lives in the 2000-3000 hour range. The proposed plan includes an opportunity for three public transit agencies and one university transit operator to demonstrate the bus and collect valuable field data to continue needed advancements. The project provides exceptional benefits to the transit industry by demon  ");
array_files[38]=new Array(0,4,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/pdfs/CleanCities-July2006.pdf","2007-08-01","486K"," Clean Cities July 2006","","","CONNECTICUT CLEAN CITIES CONNECTION www.ccities.doe.gov A Connecticut Clean Cities Coalition Publication GREEN AIRPORT OPENS PUBLIC ACCESS CNG STATION T he Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) opened the States first public use Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) facility on May 22, 2006, taking a significant step toward improving air quality and energy efficiency in Rhode Island. In 2005 Rhode Islands Governor Carcieri made alternative fuel a priority for the State by issuing an Executive Order mandating that 75 percent of new state vehicles use alternative fuels and Ocean State Clean Cities has been working toward that goal. The CNG station located at T.F. Green Airport is open 24/7 to everyone ­ including airline tenants and the general public. Drivers with an alternative fuel vehicle can swipe their credit card or fleet card to use the facility. The Airport currently has six CNG vehicles with plans to add two more, and is encouraging other airport tenants to convert their fleets and shuttles to CNG. This station was built with a public/private partnership that included the use of Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funds. It is equipped with 37,000 cubic feet of Compressed Natural Gas, Volume 4 Issue 3, July 2006 and can fuel a light duty vehicle in 2 to 3 minutes, or a larger one in approximately 7 to 10 minutes. This new CNG station, only 45 minutes from the Connecticut state line, will also be valuable to Connecticut customers operating dedicated CNG vehicles in expanding their area of operation. - Jen Cole, Ocean State Clean Cities Coordinator Coordinators Mark Brewer, President & CEO, RIAC; Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian; and James Forte, Vice Chairman RIAC cut the ribbon for the new facility while Mike Scarpino of the DOE looks on. he annual Clean Cities national meeto r Ting of the alternate fuel industry took n place in Phoenix, Arizona during May 7-10, 2006, e and all of four of the Connecticut Clean Cities r were represented. This was the first year that the conference, now called the National Clean Cities Congress, was planned without the aid of the Department of Energy (DOE). The Alternate Fuel Vehicle Institute, AFVi, did a great job with the organization and the complete funding by private sources and should be highly commended. The lack of visibility of the DOE was very noticeable to our coalitions and the greatest concern was the absence of a high level management presentation on the future direction of the Clean Cities program. We can only imagine the difficulty of letting go of this annual showcase for an extremely successful program. But maybe it is time to see if this bird can fly on its own. Having said that, we also acknowledge that there is a large contingent of people, including coordinators, who provide a valued service to the AFV community. They will be needed to implement a national strategy for petroleum independence at the local level for quite a while. The national conference, however, provides a platform to bring to this community not only technical and product information, but also future directions of the program. A position for a DOE speaker on the opening of next years program is appropriate. The Connecticut Clean Cities is in the early stages of planning its own Advance the Choice annual conference. Stay tuned for details ­ remarks from past attendees have all been positive. Connecticut now has its own biodiesel manufacturer, BioPur, located in Bethlehem, Connecticut. We wish BioPur a successful launch and future. The Connecticut Department of Transportation has had excellent experience with biodiesel in several applications including highway snowplow trucks. - Peter Polubiatko, Norwich Clean Cities  C L E A N CITIES CONGRESS id you notice that we no longer have a Clean Cities Conference but a Clean Cities Congress? As a result of funding cuts in th US Department of Energy (DOE), the Congress is now in the hands of private industry with no DOE financial support. The times have changed, perhaps appropriately so, but the lack of DOE visibility was noticeable to those of us who have been with the program since its inception in 1993-94. We certainly wish the new management, in this case the Alternate Fuel Vehicle Institute, good luck in providing this ever growing population of AFVers a venue to exchange ideas and come up to speed with new information and products. The theme of this years Congress was Fueling Economic Solutions. That focus was evident throughout the exhibits and papers that were delivered in the three-day event. All four of the Connecticut Clean Cities were very well represented. An energy plan for the U.S. was presented by keynote speaker Senator John McCain as he called for action for an Alternative Fuels Plan: Todays gas prices are nothing less that a call to action to wean ourselves from oil. McCain reiterated his support for an increase in the CAFÉ standards. Notably he is opposed to Artic drilling and government subsidies for ethanol. He said E85 should be able make it the marketplace because its a good suplement for gasoline. Senator McCain lamented his two attempts with Senator Joe Lieberman to pass cap-and-trade legislation in Washington ­ he said cities and states are AND D EXPO 2006 doing it on their own. If 227 mayors can do it, why cant 100 U.S. Senators? There was an undertone of vulnerability to petroleum forces in several of the presentations. Perhaps the most noteworthy presenter that faced this question head on was by Dr. Robert Hirsch in his Peak Oil ­ And Then What? presentation. Dr. Hirsch presented some compelling evidence on the severity of the consequences of doing nothing to provide for a strategy to solve this global problem. Below is one of his many riveting observations regarding peaking of oil: Why Worry Now? · World oil demand is huge & growing. · World consumption outstripping discoveries. · Oil production past peak in 33 of the 48 largest oil producing countries. Many deeply concerned. RISKS & STAKES ARE ENORMOUS. As usual, the annual Congress provided a great platform to meet with many other people engaged in all aspects of alternate fuel vehicles including hybrids and the latest in fuel cell automobile development. - Mike Tucchio, Norwich Clean Cities Mitigation requires time. Update on DOE Clean Cities Interaction s noted in the first quarter issue of Connecticut Clean Cities Connection, the functions of the Department of Energys Northeast Regional Office were being transferred to the National Energy Technology Laboratory in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This transfer has now taken place, the good news being that Mike Scarpino, our coordinator from the Boston office will continue to be our contact at NETL. Mike, who is getting settled in as we print, will have additional comments in the third quarter issue of the Connection. In the meantime, Mikes contact information is as follows: Mike Scarpino, U.S. Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory, 626 Cochrans Mill Road, P.O. Box 10940, Pittsburgh, PA 15236-0940; Phone: 412-386-4726; FAX: 412-386-4561; email: Michael.scarpino@NETL.DOE.GOV. The A Large Scale Biodiesel Plant Opens in CT CCCC staff wishes Mike a smooth transition to his new location and expanded responsibilities. Page 2, Vol 4 Issue 3 Governor Jodi Rell, Lee Grannis, and Congresswomen Rosa DeLauro joined BioPur Inc. co-owners Chris Glynos and George Linaros at the grand opening of their new Bethlehem, CT facility. For more information on BioPur, visit their website at www.biopurinc.com.  ENERGY POLICY ACT PROVISIONS THAT MAY AFFECT YOU his is the third article of a four part series that extracts certain sections of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 that may impact your operations, whether a large fleet or just a single vehicle. Most of the information is from the Clean Cities and U.S. Alternative Fuels Data Center website www.eere.gov/cleancities. For the full text of the Act, visit the Thomas Register on the Library of Congress Web site, and search by Bill Number for HR 6. The four part series will cover the following topics in throughout 2006 newsletters: 1. Tax Credits (see 1/06 issue) 2. Grant Programs and Specific Fuel sections of the Act (see 4/06 issue) 3. Financing available for research and education programs 4. Vehicle replacement, upgrade and fuel economy programs This issue covers financing available for research and education programs sections of the Act. Sec. 706 ­ Joint Flexible Fuel/Hybrid Vehicle Commercialization Initiative ­ Establishes a research and grant program to advance the commercialization of hybrid/flex-fuel vehicles and plug in hybrid/flex fuel vehicles. Vehicles must achieve not less than 250 miles per gasoline gallon. 3M authorized for 2006, 7M in 2007, 10M in 2008, and 20M in 2009. T Sec 721-723 ­ Advanced Vehicles Pilot Demonstration Program ­ Competitive grant program to fund up to 30 geographically dispersed advanced vehicle demonstration projects administered by Clean Cities. The goal is to reduce emissions, displace fossil fuel, promote advanced technology vehicles and promote sustainable transportation options. Grant recipients will be limited to state and local government agencies and municipal transit authorities (MTA). Applications must include a registered participant in the Clean Cities program. Participants can be public or private entities. Projects limited to 15M with 50% cost share. Grant funds can pay for: ­ Alternative fuel vehicles (including neighborhood electric vehicles) ­ Hybrid electric vehicles (only medium and heavy duty vehicles) ­ Fuel cell vehicles ­ Ultra low sulfur diesel vehicles ­ Acquisition and installation of fueling infrastructure ­ Operation and maintenance of vehicles, infrastructure and equipment ­ 200M authorized until expended Look for requests for proposals coming out of the following: Section 758 Ultra-Efficient Engine Technology for Aircraft - Directs DOE to enter into a cooperative agreement with NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) for the development of NORWICH STUDENTS PARTICIPATE tudents from Kelly and Teachers Middle Schools in Norwich participated again this year in the Junior Solar Sprints, the solar car model design, build and race p  ");
array_files[39]=new Array(0,4,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/pdfs/CleanCities-Jan2007.pdf","2007-08-01","443K"," Clean Cities January 2007","","","CONNECTICUT CLEAN CITIES CONNECTION www.ccities.doe.gov A Connecticut Clean Cities Coalition Publication Volume 5 Issue 1, January 2007 Coordinators Another o experiencedyear has gone by and we have some significant changes in r n the Clean Cities Program, nationally, regione ally and locally. Nationally, the funding for r the Clean Cities program has been cut just about in half and the regional offices have been combined and relocated. This has severely impacted the Department of Energys regional offices. Regionally, the Boston office closed and Mike Scarpino has moved to Pittsburgh and serves as the contact for all the coalitions east of the Mississippi. Also the amount of money available for coalition support has vanished. The funding for projects has decreased and has been reflected with emphasis now on ethanol (E-85.) Locally, we unfortunately have to say that this issue of the Connecticut Clean Cities Connection will be the last because of the funding cut for Coordinator Support. However, there is some good news -- all four of the Connecticut Clean Cities are continuing to expand and/or change in response to market forces. Southwest Connecticut has added two new CNG fueling stations this year; the Capitol region is moving from CNG to hybrids as market forces respond to the push to E-85 for light duty vehicles; New Haven is continuing to build its hydrogen bus; and Norwich continues to expand its heavy duty CNG fleet. On another topic, the Rhode Island and Connecticut Clean Cities are very proud of our November 20, 2006 Advance the Choice event held again at the Mohegan Sun Conference Center. However, next year will be a challenge and we may have to consider the possibility of changing the event to suit financial constraints. Some have suggested a straight alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) event, open to the public as well as fleet professionals, but eliminating the costs associated with the speaker program, lunch and conference center expenses. Well see how this plays out ­ maybe a parking lot full of AFVs and a barbecue is in our future. Check your E-mail for future Save the Date notices. As this is the last issue of Connecticut Clean Cities Connection, there are quite few people that we should thank, in particular the support of Norwich Public Utilities and their staff, especially Jeanne Kurasz, our layout and circulation person; Mike Tucchio and John Kennedy, our intrepid reporters; Lee Grannis, the Greater New Haven Coordinator who always has some cool pictures and articles; Craig Peters, the Capitol Clean Cities Coordinator, a real AFV expert who is always ready with dependable AFV information; Ed Boman and Juliet Burdelski, Energy Alternatives of Southwestern Connecticut Coordinator and staff assistant always ready with some advice and information to steer us in the right direction; and Mike Scarpino, Department of Energy Clean Cities Program manager. Without Mike, the Connecticut Clean Cities Connection would have remained a neat idea on someones to-do list. The newsletter served another, probably more important purpose. It kept all of the Connecticut and Rhode Island Clean Cities working together. Enough cant be said about how much this has helped leverage each of our coalitions. Each of us are small, but are able to act large. I hope the loss of the Connecticut Clean Cities Connections will evolve into connections between our coalitions that will continue to propel AFVs into the market, decrease our dependence on foreign oil and help to clean our air. - Peter Polubiatko, Norwich Clean Cities  Bridgeport Opens Public CNG Fueling Station here are already two million vehicles around the world that use Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), but only 130,000 of them are here in the United States. On November 14, 2006 Bridgeport celebrated the Grand Opening of Connecticuts newest CNG refueling station open to the public at the Santa Fuel lot just off I-95 on Admiral St. The policies weve lived with for 30-years have certainly hit us in the pocket book, Ray Wilson, Connecticut Energy Director, said. We need change. Today represents the beginning of that change. Customers like the post office, universities and other schools will be issued a Santa gas card to use the pump. Pumping natural gas is easy. Bridgeports Mayor John Fabrizi demonstrated for the T c a m eras. Hes excited and with reason. The city is investing in the future, and they got nearly a quarter of a million dollars do to so, helping lay the groundwork for more renewable energy one pump at a time. Bridgeport Mayor Fabrizi at CNG Station Dedication State of Connecticut Orders 25 Additional Honda Civic Hybrids apital Region Clean Cities Coordinator Craig Peters reports that the State of Connecticut has ordered 25 additional Honda Civic hybrids, bringing the total ordered by the State to 50. These vehicles will be placed in the fleets of various State agencies. This order indicates the commitment of the State to retire an increasing number of their conventionally fuelled sedans and replace with those having improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. Honda continues to be a leader in the alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) field with their dedicated compressed natural gas (CNG) GX sedan, Civic and Accord hybrids and their fuel-cell C powered FCX sedan in advanced development. A limited number of early design FCX vehicles have been in operation in California for over a year. In November of 2006, Honda demonstrated the FCX concept car near Monterey, California. Honda officials stated that they plan to put a vehicle similar to the FCX Large Scale Biodiesel Plant Opens in CT concept into the prototype stage in 2008. Although hydrogen powered cars are endorsed by President Bush and many other public officials, the major hurdle facing their introduction remains the fueling infrastructure that would take a major commitment by both government and industry to implement. Honda FCX Concept Car Page 2, Vol 5 Issue 1  Groton Public Works Reports on Ford Escape Hybrids s reported in a previous issue of Connecticut Clean Cities Connection the Public Works Department (GPW) of the Town of Groton has replaced three of its older sport utility vehicles (SUVs) with Ford Escape hybrid vehicles. These vehicles have somewhat less carrying capacity but during the first eight months of operation have shown an improvement in fuel economy of A a p p rox i m a t e ly 15 miles per gallon over the two Dodge Durangos and Chevy Blazer they replaced according to John Carrington, Assistant Director of Groton Public Works. One of the GPW Escapes was demonstrated at the Clean Cities Workshop and Seminar held at the Mohegan Sun Conference Center on November 20, 2006. Groton Public Works proudly displays their new hybrid vehicles A Note From the DOE Clean Cities Project Manager s 2006 quickly fades away and we move into the New Year, we seem to enjoy reflecting on the past year, and looking ahead to the future. During the past year, when oil stayed above 70 per barrel for a significant time and gasoline was over 3.00 a gallon, many Americans felt the effect of our nations dangerous dependency on foreign sources of energy. Our imported petroleum bill is over 4 billion dollars a week and rising. That is money that should instead be creating more jobs and opportunities, and a better future right here at home instead of fueling the economies of other nations. This increase in the cost of fuel has finally prompted many to look at alternatives for transportation fuels. Throughout the past year, there were many television reports and newspaper articles written about alternative fuels such as ethanol, biodiesel, compressed natural gas (CNG), hydrogen, and propane plus advanced vehicle technologies such as plug-in hybrid vehicles. The general public had finally become engaged A in the debate on our nations future sources of energy, and were looking for answers to these complex issues. The importance of the Clean Cities Program and the network of over 90 coalitions across the country has never seemed greater. During 2006 the four Connecticut coalitions have successfully helped deploy these vehicles and fuels across the state, and will continue to do so in 2007. As we look ahead to the future, we know that our nation cannot continue to consume 25% of the oil produced in the world. We know that Americans cannot continue to rely on gasoline and diesel fuel as if they were the only available options for our transportation system. By continuing to promote clean-burning, domestically produced alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies, our Clean Cities Program will continue to lessen our nations dependence on foreign oil, while improving the quality of the air we breathe. Mike Scarpino, Clean Cities Project Manager USDOE ­ National Energy Technology Laboratory Page 3, Vol 5 Issue 1  T o w n of Cheshire to Use Biodiesel reater New Haven Clean Cities Coordinator Lee Grannis reports that the Town of Cheshire has decided to give biodiesel fuel a try in its fleet of trucks. Lee has met with Cheshire Highway Director George Noewatne, Public Works Director Joseph Michelangelo and Councilman Tim White to help structure the introduction of B-5, a blend of 5% vegetable oil and 95% diesel fuel in 20 of their diesel-fueled trucks. The target start date is January 15, 2007. Well start with 5% and see how it goes, Michelangelo stated. He further stated that the eventual goal will be to attain a B-20 blend where 20% of the fuel will be vegetable oil and emissions reduced even further. As the town typically uses 45,000 gallons of diesel fuel each year, the use of biodiesel will have a significant effect on the improvement in air quality. G The town will buy the fuel blend through a state contract and the price should be about the same as for standard diesel fuel. Use of biodiesel by the Connecticut Department of Transpor tation in its heavy duty trucks for almost two years has demonstrated no affect on performance and the same result is expected with the Cheshire fleet. Councilman White said that the cleaner burning biodiesel fuel is beneficial to the health of highway department employees, particularly during snow storms when drivers sit in the truck  ");
array_files[40]=new Array(0,4,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/pdfs/CleanCities-April2006.pdf","2007-08-01","423K"," Clean Cities April 2006","","","CONNECTICUT CLEAN CITIES CONNECTION www.ccities.doe.gov A Connecticut Clean Cities Coalition Publication GREATER NEW HAVEN CLEAN CITIES ADVANCED TRANSIT VEHICLE IN FINAL DESIGN PHASE T he Origen One Advanced Transit Vehicle is nearing the end of the design phase. The hydrogen hybrid-electric power train is in the final phases of design development as part of Phase 1. The almost emission-free vehicle will be able to service the downtown New Haven area 14-16 hours a day, 7 days a week. Based on current funding sources, the first prototype vehicle should be on the road next year. This is a new concept in transit vehicle design that includes a light weight structure, advanced electronics, American with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements, and state-of-the-art maintenance practices along with a new design look. - Lee Grannis, Coordinator Greater New Haven Clean Cities Volume 4 Issue 2, April 2006 Coordinators he first quarter of 2006 has been very o r Tproductive for the Connecticut Clean n Cities. As you can see from the projects dee scribed in this newsletter we are moving forward r with our mission of Clean Air and Energy Inde- pendence with creativity and tenacity. As you all know by now, the US Department of Energy (DOE) has been making changes in their operational structure. There are plans to reshape the State Energy Project (SEP) grants that include an emphasis on multiple partner projects, and E85. Also changed is the method used to apply and receive funding for SEP grants ­ the path for applications and funding will no longer go through a state energy office, or in the case of Connecticut, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). John Ruckes, our contact at OMB, has been an outstanding contributor to our SEP applications and more than once has saved an application from certain failure. We will certainly miss his professional and constructive style in the future. A hearty thanks to John from all the Connecticut Clean Cities Coordinators ! Beginning in the next quarter, in every issue we will feature one Connecticut company that has been working in the field of Alternate Fuel Technology and give you in-depth coverage on their products and projects. We believe Connecticut AFV technologies will help carry us into a future that is friendlier to the environment and much less dependent on foreign oil. - Peter Polubiatko YELLOW CAB OF HARTFORD TAKES DELIVERY OF HONDA HYBRIDS ellow Cab Company, the largest taxi company in the greater Hartford area, recently took delivery of 20 Honda Civic Hybrids from Manchester Honda. These vehicles can get up to 50 miles per gallon resulting in significant reductions in emissions, according to Craig Peters, Sales Manager for Manchester Honda. The Civic Hybrids complement the natural gas powered Civics and Ford Crown Victorias currently in the Yellow Cab fleet. I try to do my part to help clean the air and at the same time reduce our dependency on foreign oil. The drivers love them and so do the customers, states Marco Henry, President of Yellow Cab. He adds These cars run day and night and emissions while idling is a major problem. The Hondas shut off when stopped, reducing emissions and saving fuel. Both Manchester Honda and Yellow Cab are stakeholders in the Capital Region Clean Cities Coalition. Y  A n Important Message From the Department of Energys Northeast Regional Office s we move into 2006, there are changes occurring with the Clean Cities Program. First of all, Shelley Launey, who has been Director of the Clean Cities Program in Washington, D.C. since 1999, has moved on to a new assignment in the Department of Energy. Shelley has been responsible for the many achievements the Clean Cities Program has made over the years. Everyone involved in the Program will miss her greatly. Dennis Smith, who has long been involved with the Program, will be taking over the Director position. The next change will be the consolidation of the regional offices at the end of June. The staff and responsibilities of the Northeast Regional Office will be transferred to the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. Although the office will no longer reside in the region, it is intended that Clean Cities coalitions and stakeholders will receive support from the staff located in the NETL similar to that provided in the past. Also, resources of DOE headquarters and the National A Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) will continue to be available and these offices will provide programmatic, technical and outreach support. I also want to make note of the recent Clean Cities Project Review held in Washington, D.C. We had approximately 50 coordinators from across the country and even more industry and government associates. If you were not able to join us, you missed some superb industry presentations, however coordinators will be able to access them in the Coordinators Toolbox on the Clean Cities web site: (http://www.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/ toolbox/current_cutting.html#coord_meeting). Despite all the changes, there remain many alternative fuel projects active in this region and these will continue to contribute to our mission of lessening our dependence on foreign oil. Northeast Regional Office, USDOE - Michael Scarpino CT ENERGY & TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE VOTE TO BRING RAISED BILL 572 TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY thanol received a favorable vote from Connecticut General Assembly Committee on Energy and Technology On March 14, 2006 the Connecticut General Assembly Committee on Energy and Technology voted unanimously to bring Raised Bill No. 572 to the General Assembly for action. Included in the legislation are tax credits, loans and exemption from the motor vehicle fuels sales tax. Also included is the provision that provides up to 10 percent (10%) price preference in the competitive bidding process for State purchases of clean alternative fuel vehicles. Qualifying is the purchase of motor vehicles powered by a clean alternative fuel; or the purchase of motor vehicles powered by fuel other than a clean alternative fuel and conversion equipment to convert such motor vehicles allowing the vehicles to be powered by either the exclusive use of clean alternative fuel or dual use of a clean alternative fuel and a fuel other than a clean alternative fuel. As used in this subsection, clean alternative fuel shall mean natural gas [or] electricity when used as a motor vehicle fuel or a motor vehicle fuel blend of E eighty -five percent ethanol and fifteen percent gasoline. As in previous legislation, any tax incentives are based upon the incremental cost of the vehicle, e.g. the difference between the AFV and a comparably equipped gasoline or diesel vehicle. When will E85 be available in CT? There are two E-85 stations in Connecticut, in Newington and Danbury, operated by the Department of Transportation. There is an increased effort to establish public access stations. Stay tuned. Who can use E85? Only vehicles rated as Flexible Fuel Vehicles FFVs can use E85, check your owners manual and look on your gas tank cap. For more information and frequently asked questions about E85 see the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition web site, search on NEVC or the Clean Cities web site. Page 2, Vol 4 Issue 2  ENERGY POLICY ACT PROVISIONS THAT MAY AFFECT YOU his is the second article of a four part series that extracts certain sections of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 that may impact your operations, whether a large fleet or just a single vehicle. Most of the information is from the Clean Cities and U.S. Alternative Fuels Data Center web site T ­ Operation and maintenance of vehicles, infrastructure and equipment ­ 200M authorized until expended Sec. 741 ­ Clean School Bus Program ­ EPA in consultation with DOE, provides funds to school districts and related organizations to replace, repower, or retrofit buses. EPA must achieve an appropriate balance between replacement and retrofit. For replacement buses, grantees receive 50% of the cost of the new bus if it meets: ­ For MY 2005 & 2006, 1.8 grams oxides of nitrogen (NOx) plus nonmethane hydrocarbons (NMHC) and 0.01 particulate matter (PM) (which is the minimum standard for diesel engines) ­ For MY 2007, 08, 09, regulatory requirements by EPA. This is assumed to mean the phase in requirement to 2010 which is 0.2 grams NOx plus NMHC and 0.01 PM - Grantees receive 25% of the cost of the new bus if they meet less strict emissions standards: ­ For MY 2005 and 2006, 2.5 grams NOx plus NMHC and 0.01 PM (minimum standard for diesel buses) ­ For MY 2007, 2008, and 2009, regulatory requirements by EPA. Assumed to mean the phasein requirement to 2010 which is 1.8 grams NOx plus NMHC and 0.01 PM · Grantees can receive 100% of retrofit costs. · No state can receive more than 10% of the monies made available each year. 55M authorized for 2006, 55M for 2007, and such sums as are necessary for 2008-2010. Sec.742 ­ Diesel Truck Retrofit and Fleet Modernization Program ­ EPA, in consultation with DOE, administers a competitive grant program for fleet modernization and retrofit of diesel trucks. Grants go to state or local governments who will allocate funds with preference for ports and other major hauling operations. 50% cost share required. Replaced trucks must be 1998 or older. · Authorization: 2006 - 20M, 2007 - 35M, 2008 - 45M, 2009-2010 ­ such sums as are necessary. Sec. 756. - Heavy Duty Vehicle Idle Reduction Analysis and Deployment Program ­ · Requires EPA to conduct analysis on emissions, fuel savings, etc. · Deployment Program: EPA, in consultation see Act, continued on page 4 www.eere.gov/cleancities. For the full text of the Act, visit the Thomas Register on the Library of Congress Web site, and search by Bill Number for HR 6. The four part series will cover the following topics in succeeding newsletters: 1. Tax Credits (see prior issue) 2. Grant Programs and Specific Fuel sections of the Act (this issue) 3. Financing available for research and education programs 4. Vehicle replacement, upgrade and fuel economy programs In this issue we will cover Grant Programs and Specific Fuel sections of the Act. Sec. 706 ­ Joint Flexible Fuel/Hybrid Vehicle Commercialization Initiative ­ Establish  ");
array_files[41]=new Array(0,1,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/residential_home.html","2007-07-31","16K","Norwich Public Utilities - Residential Home Page","",""," Norwich Public Utilities - Residential Home Page         Rates | Understanding Your Bill | Online Bill Payment | Water Heater Rentals | How to Read Your Meters | Safety Tips | Water Quality Reports | Customer Service Information | Energy Efficiency               All words Any words Exact phrase              Electricity Norwich Public Utilities is responsible for building, maintaining and servicing the local distribution system for electricity, including substations, wires and poles. We also buy and manage the power needed for the community by interfacing with transmission companies and power generators.  Most of the power used in Norwich is generated from sources such as coal, natural gas and nuclear. But NPU also owns and operates three local sources of hydro-electric power, known as ‘green power’ because it is less harmful to the environment.  To find out how to conserve electricity, read our tips section.       Natural Gas Providing natural gas to Norwich customers, we build and maintain the local distribution system, store natural gas, and purchase it from wholesale suppliers. Many customers find it a more convenient choice and it is revered as cleaner burning than other fossil fuels. NPU current manages about half a million feet of gas mains.  To find out how to conserve energy in your home, read our tips section.  If you want to find out if there is natural gas service in your area, or have other service questions, please call us at 860-887-2555.       Water & Sewer NPU supplies about 5 million gallons of clean, safe water each and every day. Norwich enjoys a rich local water supply from two reservoirs – the Deep River Reservoir, located in Colchester, and the Stony Brook Reservoir, located in Montville. You can take stock in the fact that Norwich Public Utilities takes water safety very seriously. Areas surrounding the reservoirs are inspected frequently to ensure that they are free of contaminants. Chemical treatment and filtration processes disinfect, and remove any impurities. Regular flushing of distribution pipes removes naturally occurring sediment. To ensure the water supply is always safe, NPU performs regular water testing. You will find our annual Water Quality reports posted on this web site.  To find out how you can help conserve and protect our water supply, read more here.  If you see any activities that could contaminate our water supply, please report it to our customer service department at 860-887-2555. Reservoirs and areas surrounding them are not available for public use. Please be aware that no trespassing is allowed on or around the reservoirs in order to protect our community’s water supply.  Norwich Public Utilities offers no-charge emergency service for sewer emergencies. We are on call 24 hours daily and can come to your home to assist you in determining the extent of the blockage. Call 860-887-2555 around the clock.  Notice: The Sewer Authority of the City of Norwich (WPCA) has adopted a Sewer Capital Connection Fee. The Sewer Authority will assess the Sewer Capital Connection Fee charges for the establishment of new connections and the increase of existing waste water discharge to the sewer system. Click here to download additional information (Acrobat PDF).  If you dont have Adobe Acrobat to read PDFs, you can download it for free here. Back to Top        Gas mains, water pipes and other utility related distribution systems lie underground. It’s vitally important that you call before you dig around your home. It’s also the law. Please call the Connecticut-Call-Before-You-Dig hotline (CBYD) listed above. This statewide agency coordinates with all utilities including telephone and cable television to ensure that underground lines can be marked before any excavation is performed. You must call at least two business days in advance of digging. Click here for more safety tips...  Legal translation: [أربيك]汉语FrançaisDeutschItaliano한국어PortuguêsРусскоEspañol Norwich Public Utilities 860-887-2555 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360 Copyright 2005 Norwich Public Utilities ");
array_files[42]=new Array(0,1,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/efficiency-res.html","2007-07-31","16K","Norwich Public Utilities - Energy Efficiency: Residential","",""," Norwich Public Utilities - Energy Efficiency: Residential      Learn More... Recognizing energy efficiency as a solution to rising energy costs, Norwich Public Utilities is developing a comprehensive conservation program. To learn more, contact Norwich Public Utilities by:  Email communitymatters@npumail.com Call 860-887-2555 Visit the NPU Customer Service Center at 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360      Attention NPU residential customers! Request a FREE NPU Residential Home Energy Efficiency Walk-Through Audit! We want to help you save money and conserve energy by making your home more energy efficient – and its free! An NPU auditor will come to your home to:  replace your incandescent light bulbs with new Compact Flourescent Light bulbs install low-flow shower heads and sink aerators to lower water usage (and, therefore, water heater usage); conduct a general inspection of your homes energy usage and make suggestions for improvements. All at no cost to you!  Heres how you can request your audit  Email communitymatters@npumail.com Call 860-887-2555 Visit the NPU Customer Service Center at 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360            Energy Efficiency Main Page | Residential Programs | Commercial & Industrial Programs | Water Conservation Tips | Power Alert Days | Clean Cities Program              All words Any words Exact phrase              NEW! The Energy Depot Available to Norwich residents, the Energy Depot gives you helpful, easy-to-use tools to:  Create your own, customized energy profile; Calculate the energy cost of your appliances; Quickly compare your old heating, AC system or water heater with new electric or gas systems; Access the energy information library; and Ask an Energy Advisor who will respond to your email questions  Simply register online and get started today!     Appliance Rebates  Mail-in Rebate for ENERGY STAR®-Qualified Appliances Get 60 back from NPU on the purchase of these ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances purchased between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2008:  Refrigerators/Freezers Dishwashers Washing Machines Electric Water Heaters  Limit one rebate per residential electric account. To receive your rebate:  Download the rebate form here (Acrobat PDF)  Fill out the form completely  Enclose a copy of your dated sales receipt and a copy of your most recent electric bill  Mail these items to the address on the rebate form   If you dont have Adobe Acrobat to read PDFs, click here for a free download. Please: DO NOT include the rebate coupon with your utility bill payment Back to Top      Air Conditioning Rebate Program The Air Conditioning Rebate Program promotes significant energy savings, lower cooling costs and a positive impact on the environment. It pays cash rebates to NPUs residential, commercial, industrial, institutional and agricultural electric service customers to help defray the cost of buying high-efficiency HVAC systems purchased on or after January 1, 2007. Download the Air Conditioning Rebate PDF for eligibility information and an application. If you dont have Adobe Acrobat to read PDFs, you can download it for free here. Back to Top          Legal translation: [أربيك]汉语FrançaisDeutschItaliano한국어PortuguêsРусскоEspañol Norwich Public Utilities 860-887-2555 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360 Copyright 2005 Norwich Public Utilities ");
array_files[43]=new Array(0,1,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/efficiency-main.html","2007-07-31","18K","Norwich Public Utilities - Energy Efficiency","",""," Norwich Public Utilities - Energy Efficiency     Visit the NPU Energy Depot for FREE easy-to-use, cost-saving tools to increase your energy efficiency.       Attention NPU residential customers! Request a FREE Residential Home Energy Efficiency Walk-Through Audit We want to help you save money and conserve energy by making your home more energy efficient – and its free! An NPU auditor will come to your home to:  replace your incandescent light bulbs with new Compact Flourescent Light bulbs install low-flow shower heads and sink aerators to lower water usage (and, therefore, water heater usage); conduct a general inspection of your homes energy usage and make suggestions for improvements. All at no cost to you!  Heres how you can request your audit  Email communitymatters@npumail.com Call 860-887-2555  Visit the NPU Customer Service Center at 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360       Learn More... Recognizing energy efficiency as a solution to rising energy costs, Norwich Public Utilities is developing a comprehensive conservation program. To learn more, contact Norwich Public Utilities by:  Email communitymatters@npumail.com Call 860-887-2555 Visit the NPU Customer Service Center at173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360      Residential Rebate Programs | Commercial & Industrial Rebate Programs | Water Conservation Tips | Power Alert Days | Clean Cities Program           All words Any words Exact phrase           Energy efficiency affects the entire Norwich community — from individuals to families to businesses. Thats why Norwich Public Utilities (NPU) is dedicated to providing its customers with energy saving tips and tools to proactively reduce energy consumption and costs. NPU Light Bulb Program Energy Efficiency Links For more Residential Programs and Rebates, click here. For Commercial and Industrial Programs, click here. For Water Conservation Tips, click here. For Power Alert Days, click here. For the Clean Cities Alternative Fuel Program, click here. Back to Top      The NPU LIght Bulb Program Heres how the program works: replace traditional incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) to save up to 20% on lighting costs. NPU customers can purchase CFLs from the Energy Star Lights catalog at a discount:  online at www.estarlights.com NPU Customer Service Center at 174 North Main Street, Norwich, CT. To request a catalog by mail, call 877-2555. About Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFLs) Want the facts concerning the mercury contained in compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) or how to properly dispose of broken bulbs? Visit www.epa.gov/mercury for informationprovided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on mercury contained in CFLs. The Norwich Transfer Station, located on Rogers Road, accepts CFLs at no charge. For Transfer Station hours, please visit the City of Norwichs website at www.norwichct.org.      Helpful Energy Efficiency Links NEW! The Energy DepotAvailable to Norwich residents, the Energy Depot gives you FREE helpful, easy-to-use tools to: - Create your own, customized energy profile; - Calculate the energy cost of your appliances; - Quickly compare your old heating, AC system or water heater with new electric or gas systems; - Access the energy information library; and - Ask an Energy Advisor who will respond to your email questions. Simply register online and get started today! Top 10 Residential Energy Saving Tips Here are some pracitcal ways in which you can save energy at home US Department of Energy Savers This goverment site brings you the latest information on energy-saving, efficient technologies with tips for using clean, renewable energy   Energy Star ENERGY STAR is a government-backed program helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency  Energy Hog Learn more about energy saving from the Ad Councils Energy Hog. You can even conduct your own energy audit. Fun for children and adults, too! Energy Tip of the Month Click this link for the US Department of Energys energy saving tip of the month Back to Top          Legal translation: [أربيك]汉语FrançaisDeutschItaliano한국어PortuguêsРусскоEspañol Norwich Public Utilities 860-887-2555 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360 Copyright 2005 Norwich Public Utilities ");
array_files[44]=new Array(0,1,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/efficiency-comm.html","2007-07-31","13K","Norwich Public Utilities - Energy Efficiency: Commercial","",""," Norwich Public Utilities - Energy Efficiency: Commercial  Energy Efficiency & Rebates | Residential Programs | Commercial & Industrial Programs | Water Conservation Tips | Power Alert Days | Clean Cities Program           All words Any words Exact phrase           Air Conditioning Rebate Program The Air Conditioning Rebate Program promotes significant energy savings, lower cooling costs and a positive impact on the environment. It pays cash rebates to NPUs commercial, industrial, institutional, agricultural and residential electric service customers to help defray the cost of buying high-efficiency HVAC systems purchased on or after January 1, 2007. Download the rebate program PDF for eligibility information and an application. If you dont have Adobe Acrobat to read PDFs, you can download it for free here. MotorUp! Program The MotorUp initiative is a program that offers NPU commercial, institutional and agricultural electric services customers attractive incentives to upgrade to premium efficiency electric motors. The MotorUp! Program covers products purchased and instaled or placed in stock on or after January 1, 2007. Benefits include dramatic reductions in operating costs, electrical consumption and carbon emmissions, along with greater reliability. Download the MotorUp! PDF for eligibility information and an application. If you dont have Adobe Acrobat to read PDFs, you can download it for free here.      Learn More... For more information on custom efficiency programs from Norwich Public Utilities, contact Jeff Brining.  Email jeffbrining@npumail.com Call 860-823-4522 Back to Top            Zero-Percent Financing Norwich Public Utilities offers ZERO-PERCENT FINANCING to qualifying commercial and industrial customers looking to make improvements that will increase energy efficiency. Click here to download the Zero-Percent Financing Program brochure (Acrobat PDF). If you dont have Adobe Acrobat to read PDFs, you can download it for free here.     Legal translation: [أربيك]汉语FrançaisDeutschItaliano한국어PortuguêsРусскоEspañol Norwich Public Utilities 860-887-2555 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360 Copyright 2005 Norwich Public Utilities ");
array_files[45]=new Array(0,1,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/efficiency-cleancities.html","2007-07-31","13K","Norwich Public Utilities - Energy Efficiency: Clean Cities Program","",""," Norwich Public Utilities - Energy Efficiency: Clean Cities Program          Energy Efficiency | Residential Programs | Commercial & Industrial Programs | Water Conservation Tips | Power Alert Days | Clean Cities Program              All words Any words Exact phrase            Norwich participates in the Clean Cities Program. Its mission is to advance the nations economic, environmental, and energy security by supporting local decisions to adopt practices that contribute to the reduction of petroleum consumption. Click here to visit the US Department of Energys site to learn more, or download the quarterly newsletters below (Acrobat PDF).  January 2007 Newsletter November 2006 Newsletter July 2006 Newsletter January 2006 Newsletter April 2006 Newsletter      Learn More... Recognizing energy efficiency as a solution to rising energy costs, Norwich Public Utilities is developing a comprehensive conservation program. For more information about the Clean Cities program, contact Norwich Public Utilities:  Email norwichcleancities@npumail.com Call 860-887-2555  Visit the NPU Customer Service Center at 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360   Back to Top                        Legal translation: [أربيك]汉语FrançaisDeutschItaliano한국어PortuguêsРусскоEspañol Norwich Public Utilities 860-887-2555 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360 Copyright 2005 Norwich Public Utilities ");
array_files[46]=new Array(0,1,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/commercial_home.html","2007-07-31","13K","Norwich Public Utilities - Commercial Home Page","",""," Norwich Public Utilities - Commercial Home Page Commercial Rates | Energy Efficiency & Rebates | Online Bill Payment           All words Any words Exact phrase           Whether you are new to the Norwich area, or a long time local area business owner, we are here to serve you. Norwich Public Utilities is equipped and trained to help you meet your needs for natural gas, electricity, water, and sewer services. Commercial customers are serviced by our Business Development team. You will receive the attention of one of our knowledgeable Project Coordinators, giving you one point of contact. Your Project Coordinator will help champion your new service needs, upgrades, energy audits, inspections, or new development plants. We’ve helped business owners and other commercial accounts across the community for many years. We understand the challenges you face and can help guide you in the right direction for all your utility services. And our Project Coordinators are ready to assist you at no charge. Norwich Public Utilities now offers ZERO-PERCENT FINANCING to qualifying commercial and industrial customers looking to make improvements that will increase energy efficiency. Click here to download information (Acrobat PDF). Notice: The Sewer Authority of the City of Norwich (WPCA) has adopted a Sewer Capital Connection Fee. The Sewer Authority will assess the Sewer Capital Connection Fee charges for the establishment of new connections and the increase of existing waste water discharge to the sewer system. Click here to download additional information (Acrobat PDF).  If you dont have Adobe Acrobat to read PDFs, you can download it for free here. For additional customer service information or water quality reports, please see the Residential Customer section. Back to Top     If you need a Project Coordinator, please call us at 860-823-4149.   Legal translation: [أربيك]汉语FrançaisDeutschItaliano한국어PortuguêsРусскоEspañol Norwich Public Utilities 860-887-2555 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360 Copyright 2005 Norwich Public Utilities ");
array_files[47]=new Array(0,1,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/water-conservation.html","2007-07-06","16K","Norwich Public Utilities - Water Conservation","",""," Norwich Public Utilities - Water Conservation Water Conservation Tips | Safety Tips | Water Quality Reports           All words Any words Exact phrase           Water Conservation Tips Store drinking water in your fridge rather than wasting tap water while you wait for it to get cold. You can save as much as 300 gallons of water a month. Fill a pan of water to rinse vegetables instead of running water and save more than 200 gallons a month. Defrost foods in your fridge or microwave rather than under running water Use a partially filled sink to rinse dishes rather than running a constant stream of water. Don’t use more detergent than you need and you’ll use less rinse water. Use low-flow showerheads or flow restrictors in regular showerheads to save between 500 and 800 gallons a month. Don’t run the water while you brush your teeth- use short bursts instead. Use short bursts of water or swish your razor in a partially filled sink instead of running water while you shave and save 3 gallons of water a day. Shorten your shower by even 1 or 2 minutes and save up to 700 gallons of water a month. Water your garden in the early morning to reduce waste through evaporation. Plants prefer this too. Mulch gardens so they retain moisture longer Consider replacing lawn areas with more drought-tolerant ground cover or ornamental grasses, shrubs or trees If you have to water your lawn, make sure you are not inadvertently watering the street or sidewalk. If you let your lawn grow longer, it retains moisture better and requires less watering. Lawns need water only once a week – one hour will provide a good soaking which helps your lawn grow deeper roots to stay green longer De-thatch your lawn to encourage better root growth and prevent water run-off Repair toilet leaks. Dye tablets can help you discover leaks. Replace your older toilet with an efficient 1.6 gallon per flush toilet Fixing a leaky faucet or pipe joint can save as much as 20 gallons of water per day. If you let water run waiting for hot water to come down the pipes, try catching the flow in a watering can to use later for plants or gardens and save 100 to 300 gallons of water a month. For more information on water conservation, please contact us at 887-2555 or communitymatters@npumail.com Water Loss From A Dripping Faucet That dripping faucet might not seem like much, but over time it really adds up.    30 drops per minute =84 gallons a month =1,008 gallons per year   60 drops per minute =168 gallons a month =2,016 gallons per year   90 drops per minute =253 gallons a month =3,036 gallons per year   120 drops per minute =337 gallons a mont =4,044 gallons per year    Back to Top    WATER FACTS Only 1% of the world’s water supply is suitable for human use--the rest is salt water, or locked in glaciers and ice caps We only drink about 1% of treated water--the rest we use to water the lawn, do the laundry or flush down the toilet  The average household uses about 240 gallons of water per day   See how much energy you are using with the energy calculator.   Legal translation: [أربيك]汉语FrançaisDeutschItaliano한국어PortuguêsРусскоEspañol Norwich Public Utilities 860-887-2555 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360 Copyright 2005 Norwich Public Utilities   ");
array_files[48]=new Array(0,1,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/safetytips.html","2007-07-06","15K","Norwich Public Utilities -Safety Tips","",""," Norwich Public Utilities -Safety Tips  General Energy Safety Tips | Reservoir Safety | More Tips            All words Any words Exact phrase           General Energy Safety Tips  Always – Call Before You Dig! 1-800-922-4455 Do not start any excavation work until you have called this number.  Electricity has one destination – the ground! It looks for ways to travel to the ground. If you touch the power lines or get hit by lightening, electricity will travel through your body. This can seriously hurt or kill you. Stay away from downed power lines! Teach your children the dangers of power lines – including telling them never to climb the utility poles, and never touch cables. Natural gas is odorless before processing, but for safety reasons, an odorant is added so that a gas leak can be easily detected. Similar to the smell of rotten eggs, natural gas has a distinctive smell. If you smell a strong odor of gas, alert others inside and leave the home or building right away. Do not turn lights on or off. Call 860-887-7207 immediately from a phone outside the home or building. Do not remove the ground pin/third prong of grounded-style cables. It is an important safety device. Dont overload your outlet. Use surge-protected power bars when necessary. Replace blown fuses with the proper wattage fuse only. Keep electricity away from water! Never use appliances near water or leave appliances where they can fall into water. Dont use an electric lawn mower on wet grass or in the rain. Dont leave space heaters on while unattended. Make sure the area around the heater is clear of any material or paper, or furniture. Use caution with halogen lamps. Halogen bulbs get very hot. Floor or table lamps that get knocked over can cause a fire.Consider replacing your halogen lighting with compact fluorescent lighting.  Get generator safety tips here. Back to Top    Reservoir Safety  The Deep River and Stony Brook reservoirs, as well as emergency supplies at Fairview and Bog Meadow, are our sources for drinking water. To keep them free of any contaminants, they are restricted from any use by the public.  There is no swimming, fishing, boating or skating permitted on the reservoirs. Please remind your children about the rules, and dangers of the reservoirs.  Even strong swimmers cannot swim in cold water. Lets keep our water supply safe and our children safe, too. Back to Top   More Safety Tips Get more tips and information, including a Spanish language brochure at the Electrical Safety Foundation International at: http://www.nesf.org Back to Top     OUTDOOR SAFETY TIPSNever attempt to trim trees near power lines. This should be done by certified tree-trimmers only.   IN-HOME SAFETY TIPS Make sure the electrical cords on appliances, lamps and other devices in your home are in good shape. Replace frayed cords or loose fitting plugs.   Legal translation: [أربيك]汉语FrançaisDeutschItaliano한국어PortuguêsРусскоEspañol   Norwich Public Utilities 860-887-2555 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360  Copyright 2005 Norwich Public Utilities   ");
array_files[49]=new Array(0,1,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/residential_yourbill.html","2007-07-06","20K","Norwich Public Utilities - Understanding Your Bill","",""," Norwich Public Utilities - Understanding Your Bill    Rates | Understanding Your Bill | Water Heater Rentals | How to Read Your Meters | Safety Tips | Water Quality Reports | Customer Service Information                  All words Any words Exact phrase                 You Can Pay Your Bill:  In person at:  Our customer service office, 173 North Main Street (directions) Chelsea Groton Savings Bank -- all branches Greeneville Drug Store, 213 Central Ave., Norwich Taftville Pharmacy, 17 South Second St, Taftville  Please Note: Please allow 3 business days for your processing your payment if made at locations other than our customer service office Over the phone: with your VISA or Mastercard By Mail with the provided envelope: NPU, 173 N Main Street, Norwich, CT 06360         The NEW Bill Design is Here! Your utility bill has been redesigned with you in mind! We think that you will find the new format more informative, user-friendly and easier to read. We have highlighted the changes to the bill format. Got questions? Please contact us at (860) 887-2555 or visit the Customer Service Center at 173 North Main Street, Norwich.      How to Read Your New Bill Changes at a glance  Your utility bill has been resized to provide more detailed graphs and new information Clearer headings and labels have been added to make your bill easier to read Utility services that you don’t have will be removed to free up space and eliminate confusion The tear-off payment coupon has been moved to the bottom of the bill       1. Important messages and reminders. You’ll find special events, news and energy tips    2. At a glance: account information summarized to show payments, charges, credits, amount due, and late payment date   3. Meter reading summary includes previous meter reading information   4. Graphs have been expanded to include 13-months of consumption data   5. Charges are separated to reflect the rate structure   6. Miscellaneous Charges/Credits include service charges, bank charges, meter reading adjustments, etc., are detailed; the total is a line item in the summary   7. Non-metered items are items billed at a per item or per month rate; not based on amount of usage      Back to Top     Payment Coupon Details    8. Easy-to-find account and payment information    9. If including a donation to Operation Fuel in your Amount Enclosed, enter that amount here   10. Be sure our address shows in the return envelope window     The Back of the Billing Statement Also Includes Important Information...    a. Norwich Public Utilities contact information    b. Payment Options   c. Your rights as a NPU customer   d. Definitions of billing terms and information about Operation Fuel   e. Translation into another language, if necessary, is encouraged        Back to Top       About Adjustments You will see adjustments to your electricity and natural gas rates that may increase or decrease your bill. These are needed because both of these energy sources are subject to price fluctuations. NPU develops its rates based on a forecasted cost of the supply. Sometimes, the actual rate is more, or less, than this forecasted rate. When this occurs, the cost increase, or cost savings, are shown as an adjustment. NPU does not collect extra profit on energy supply costs, so cost increases cannot be absorbed by NPU. Cost increases, and cost savings are passed on to customers. To ease the pain of cost increases, Norwich balances the needed adjustments over a period of time so that large price spikes are not reflected in monthly bills. To view the current Purchased Power Adjustment (PPA) and Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA), view the Important Notices page. Back to Top        Legal translation: [أربيك]汉语FrançaisDeutschItaliano한국어PortuguêsРусскоEspañol Norwich Public Utilities 860-887-2555 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360 Copyright 2005 Norwich Public Utilities ");
array_files[50]=new Array(0,1,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/residential_water_quality.html","2007-07-06","11K","Norwich Public Utilities - Water Quality Reports","",""," Norwich Public Utilities - Water Quality Reports Rates | Understanding Your Bill | Water Heater Rentals | How to Read Your Meters | Safety Tips | Water Quality Reports | Customer Service Information           All words Any words Exact phrase           Ensuring that water in Norwich is safe is a carefully monitored and nonstop process.Ongoing tests measure water quality at its source, at treatment, and at distribution. Last year, as in years past, your tap water met all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state drinking water health standards. Norwich Public Utilities vigilantly safeguards its water supplies and once again we are proud to report that our system has not violated a maximum contaminant level or any other water quality standard.  To see the tables larger, click the image above. To read the complete report by downloading this PDF. Need Acrobat Reader? Get it here for free. If you have questions about this report, please contact our Customer Service department at 860-887-2555 or email us at communitymatters@npumail.com. The Norwich Public Utilities Board of Commissioners generally meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at 6 PM. These meetings are open to the public, and take place at our Customer Service Center located at 173 North Main Street.  Back to Top Legal translation: [أربيك]汉语FrançaisDeutschItaliano한국어PortuguêsРусскоEspañol Norwich Public Utilities 860-887-2555 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360 Copyright 2005 Norwich Public Utilities ");
array_files[51]=new Array(0,1,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/residential_rates.html","2007-07-06","21K","Norwich Public Utilities - Residential Rates","",""," Norwich Public Utilities - Residential Rates   Rates | Understanding Your Bill | Water Heater Rentals | How to Read Your Meters | Safety Tips | Water Quality Reports | Customer Service Information              All words Any words Exact phrase            Natural Gas Customer Charge 9.50/month GAS [Natural Gas Supply, Distribution, Storage] First 30 CCF @1.1457/CCF All over 30 CCF @.8389/CCF Purchased Gas Adjustment See latest PGA here Additional Details: There is a minimum monthly charge of 9.50/month that pays for maintaining local systems for natural gas and funds local operational costs. CCF is 100 cubic feet, the standard measurement unit for natural gas. You are charged for the natural gas you use monthly, based on your meter reading. The purchased gas adjustment is needed to reflect the costs of natural gas from our wholesale supplier. Natural gas prices rise and fall based on supply and demand issues. When the cost of natural gas increases, NPU reflects this increase with an adjustment per cubic foot of natural gas that you use. A monthly penalty charge equal to 1.5% of the unpaid balance not paid within 28 days of the billing date will apply.     Electricity  ELECTRIC RESIDENTIAL SERVICE – RATE ERES Availability: Single-phase electric service for all year-round use in the dwelling and associated equipment of a singe private family for its household requirements.    Rate    Customer Charge, Per Month 7.14   Electricity Used:    – First 1,000 kWh per Month 0.09738 per kWh   – All over 1,000 kWh per Month 0.08728 per kWh   Purchased Power Adjustment (PPA)    The Purchased Power Adjustment Rate will be applied to all kWh billed.     Energy Efficiency Fund   A charge will be applied to all billed kWh consumption to recover the costs of investment in renewable energy resources and energy efficiency and load reduction initiatives through the NPU Energy Efficiency Fund.   Minimum Charge    The minimum charge is the customer charge of 7.14 per month.    Additional Details: The minimum monthly charge of 7.14/month pays for maintaining local systems for electricity and funds local operational costs. kWh is kilowatt hours and is the standard unit measurement for electricity. You are charged for the electricity you use monthly, based on your meter reading. The purchased power adjustment (PPA) is needed to reflect the costs of electricity from our wholesale supplier. When the cost of electricity increases, NPU reflects this increase with an adjustment per kilowatt hour of electricity that you use. To view the latest PPA, click here. Download a PDF containing electric rates here. If you dont have Adobe Acrobat to read PDFs, you can download it for free here. Back to Top        Water Rates effective July1, 2007. MONTHLY COMMODITY CHARGE   Meter size 1 1⁄2 inch and below: First 5 Ccf per month @ 2.21 per Ccf   Meter size above 1 1⁄2 inch: First 5 Ccf per month @ 1.85 per Ccf   All meters: In excess of 5 Ccf per month @ 1.85 per Ccf   Water consumption is measured in 100’s of cubic feet. For your reference, 100 cubic feet of water is equivalent to 748 gallons. MINIMUM CHARGE  The minimum monthly charge shall be determined by the size of the customer’s meter installation as follows:   Meter Size Minimum Charge   5/8 7.88   3/4 9.43   1 15.53   1-1/4 39.85   Back to Top       Sewer Rates effective July 1, 2007. Sewer services are charged based on your water consumption as measured by your water meter. The rate is 3.802 per 100 cubic feet. Additional DetailsAll customers utilizing the sewer system of the City of Norwich Sewer Authority will be charged a minimum customer charge of 4.67 per month. All customers utilizing the sewer system of the City of Norwich Sewer Authority with average sewer strength, denoted by Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Suspended Solids (SS) levels not exceeding 300mg/L will be charged 3.802 per 100 cubic feet (CCF).The measurement of cubic feet of sewage will be according to the amount of water measured coming into the premises by the water meter. All customers utilizing the sewer system of the City of Norwich Sewer Authority with sewer strength above the average indicated BOD or SS will be charged a surcharge for the increased BOD or SS.  PENALTY A monthly penalty charge equal to 1.5% of the unpaid balance not paid within 28 days of the billing date.  Back to Top     If you have questions about your rates, or how to read your bill, please contact our customer service department at 860-887-2555. Download a PDF containing rates here:  Electric Rates Water Rates Sewer Rates  If you dont have Adobe Acrobat to read PDFs, you can download it for free here.  Legal translation: [أربيك]汉语FrançaisDeutschItaliano한국어PortuguêsРусскоEspañol Norwich Public Utilities 860-887-2555 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360 Copyright 2005 Norwich Public Utilities ");
array_files[52]=new Array(0,1,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/residential_heater_rentals.html","2007-07-06","15K","Norwich Public Utilities - Water Heater Rental","",""," Norwich Public Utilities - Water Heater Rental Rates | Understanding Your Bill | Water Heater Rentals | How to Read Your Meters | Safety Tips | Water Quality Reports | Customer Service Information           All words Any words Exact phrase           Electricity Renting a water heater from Norwich Public Utilities is a worry-free program. We offer electric and natural gas powered heaters, including direct vent gas water heaters. Direct vent heaters are a good alternative for homeowners who must meet certain ventilation code requirements. A Field Service Technician can help you determine the best water heater for your requirements. Our rental program includes the following: A site visit by a Field Service Technician to determine the best water heater for your needs, and recommendations to help you save money. Prompt installation. In most cases, we are able to install the water heater within 1 business day of your call. 24-hour, 7-days a week emergency service. Disposal of your old water heater. The chart below outlines our rental rates. Please note that rental agreements are based on a 5-year contract. You will be billed monthly for 60 months. After 60 months (5 years), you may opt for a maintenance-only fee. This fee covers regular maintenance, service and even replacement if necessary. Rates Electric 5 yrs/per month Maintenance Only/per month 40 gallon 7 3 50 gallon 7 3 Natural Gas Standard Tank 30 gallon 8.20 3 40 gallon 8.20 3 50 gallon 9.45 3 Direct Vent 40 gallon 12.74 3 50 gallon 13.42 3 Direct Vent with Power Vent 40 gallon 14.93 7.50 50 gallon 16.09 7.50 Penalty Customers are charged a monthly penalty equal to 1.5% of the unpaid balance not paid within 25 days of the billing date.  Back to Top Our rental program includes 24-hour, 7-days a week emergency service Legal translation: [أربيك]汉语FrançaisDeutschItaliano한국어PortuguêsРусскоEspañol Norwich Public Utilities 860-887-2555 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360 Copyright 2005 Norwich Public Utilities ");
array_files[53]=new Array(0,1,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/residential_conservation.html","2007-07-06","26K","Norwich Public Utilities - Water Conservation","",""," Norwich Public Utilities - Water Conservation Rates | Understanding Your Bill | Water Heater Rentals | How to Read Your Meters | Water Conservation | Safety Tips | Water Quality Reports | Customer Service Information           All words Any words Exact phrase           Water Reservoir Safety Energy Conservation General Energy Safety Tips Appliance Energy Calculator Water Conservation Tips Store drinking water in your fridge rather than wasting tap water while you wait for it to get cold. You can save as much as 300 gallons of water a month. Fill a pan of water to rinse vegetables instead of running water and save more than 200 gallons a month. Defrost foods in your fridge or microwave rather than under running water Use a partially filled sink to rinse dishes rather than running a constant stream of water. Don’t use more detergent than you need and you’ll use less rinse water. Use low-flow showerheads or flow restrictors in regular showerheads to save between 500 and 800 gallons a month. Don’t run the water while you brush your teeth- use short bursts instead. Use short bursts of water or swish your razor in a partially filled sink instead of running water while you shave and save 3 gallons of water a day. Shorten your shower by even 1 or 2 minutes and save up to 700 gallons of water a month. Water your garden in the early morning to reduce waste through evaporation. Plants prefer this too. Mulch gardens so they retain moisture longer Consider replacing lawn areas with more drought-tolerant ground cover or ornamental grasses, shrubs or trees If you have to water your lawn, make sure you are not inadvertently watering the street or sidewalk. If you let your lawn grow longer, it retains moisture better and requires less watering. Lawns need water only once a week – one hour will provide a good soaking which helps your lawn grow deeper roots to stay green longer De-thatch your lawn to encourage better root growth and prevent water run-off Repair toilet leaks. Dye tablets can help you discover leaks. Replace your older toilet with an efficient 1.6 gallon per flush toilet Fixing a leaky faucet or pipe joint can save as much as 20 gallons of water per day. If you let water run waiting for hot water to come down the pipes, try catching the flow in a watering can to use later for plants or gardens and save 100 to 300 gallons of water a month. For more information on energy & water conservation, please contact us at 887-2555 Water Loss From A Dripping Faucet That dripping faucet might not seem like much, but over time it really adds up. 30 drops per minute =84 gallons a month =1,008 gallons per year 60 drops per minute =168 gallons a month =2,016 gallons per year 90 drops per minute =253 gallons a month =3,036 gallons per year 120 drops per minute =337 gallons a mont =4,044 gallons per year Back to Top Reservoir Safety The Deep River and Stony Brook reservoirs, as well as emergency supplies at Fairview and Bog Meadow, are our sources for drinking water. To keep them free of any contaminants, they are restricted from any use by the public. There is no swimming, fishing, boating or skating permitted on the reservoirs. Please remind your children about the rules, and dangers of the reservoirs. Even strong swimmers cannot swim in cold water. Lets keep our water supply safe, and our children safe too. Back to Top Energy Conservation You can buy energy-saving compact fluorescent bulbs online at www.estarlights.com, by selecting the listing for Norwich Public Utilities. Always consider your health first. If you suffer any conditions that are complicated by heat, make sure you are comfortable. Heating  Use a programmable thermostat to automatically control your furnace to lower temperatures when you are not at home, or when you are sleeping. Keep your heating system well maintained so furnace filters are clean and ducts are clear. Ensure that vents are not covered by furniture. Ensure doors and windows are sealed with weather stripping or caulking. Close the damper on your wood-burning fireplace when not in use Consider purchasing a high efficiency furnace that wastes less fuel Make sure your home, including the ducts that run through your home are well insulated Air Conditioning  Set for 78°, 85° when you’re not home Use a programmable thermostat for central air Make sure your home is well insulated Conduct regular maintenance, change the filter Install and close shades on southern facing windows during the day Install ceiling fans to create more even air distribution If your system is over 15 years old, consider upgrading to a more energy efficient unit  Laundry  Wash in cold – most energy used is to heat the water Wash full loads, or be sure to use the proper setting for the load size Line dry when you can, clean the dryer filter Swimming Pools Use a solar blanket, or solar heating system Run your filter only a few hours each day Dishes Turn off heat dry cycle, opt for air dry Wash full loads Wash pots and other large dishes by hand Lighting Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs: save 20% on lighting costs, and bulbs last 10 times longer! Use dimmers on incandescent bulbs General Home Insulate properly – R30+ in the attic, R13 for wall, R19 in the floor (see more information at the Energy Star web site: http://www.energystar.gov) Replace old windows Check for cracks around windows and doors, seal with weather stripping or caulking Back to Top General Energy Safety Tips Always – Call Before You Dig! 1-800-922-4455 Do not start any excavation work until you have called this number. Electricity has one destination – the ground! It looks for ways to travel to the ground. If you touch the power lines or get hit by lightening, electricity will travel through your body. This can seriously hurt or kill you. Stay away from downed power lines! Teach your children the dangers of power lines – including telling them never to climb the utility poles, and never touch cables. Never attempt to trim trees near power lines. Only certified tree-trimmers should do this. Natural gas is odorless before processing, but for safety reasons, an odorant is added so that a gas leak can be easily detected. Similar to the smell of rotten eggs, natural gas has a distinctive smell. If you smell a strong odor of gas, alert others inside and leave the home or building right away. Do not turn lights on or off. Call 860-887-7207 immediately from a phone outside the home or building. Make sure that the electrical cords on appliances, lamps and other devices in your home are in good shape. Replace frayed cords or loose fitting plugs. Do not remove the ground pin/third prong of grounded-style cables. It is an important safety device. Don’t overload your outlet. Use surge-protected power bars when necessary. Replace blown fuses with the proper wattage fuse only. Keep electricity away from water! Never use appliances near water or leave appliances where they can fall into water. Don’t use an electric lawn mower on wet grass or in the rain. Don’t leave space heaters on while unattended. Make sure the area around the heater is clear of any material or paper, or furniture. Use caution with halogen lamps. Halogen bulbs get very hot. Floor or table lamps that get knocked over can cause a fire. Consider replacing your halogen lighting with compact fluorescent lighting. Get generator safety tips here. Get more tips and information, including a Spanish language brochure at the Electrical Safety Foundation International at: http://www.nesf.org For more information about how to save energy in your home, visit the ENERGY STAR web site: http://www.energystar.gov/ Norwich Utilities proudly promotes ENERGY STAR. ENERGY STAR was created to help consumers easily identify products, homes, and buildings that save energy and money, and help protect the environment. As the government-backed, trusted symbol for energy efficiency, the ENERGY STAR label identifies highly efficient products and designates superior energy performance in homes and buildings. See how much energy you are using with the energy calculator. Back to Top Water Facts Only 1% of the world’s water supply is suitable for human use The rest is salt water, or locked in glaciers and ice caps We only drink about 1% of treated water – the rest we use to water the lawn, do the laundry or flush down the toilet The average household uses about 240 gallons of water per day You can buy energy-saving compact fluorescent bulbs online at www.estarlights.com, by selecting the listing for Norwich Public Utilities. See how much energy you are using with the energy calculator. Legal translation: [أربيك]汉语FrançaisDeutschItaliano한국어PortuguêsРусскоEspañol Norwich Public Utilities 860-887-2555 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360  Copyright 2005 Norwich Public Utilities ");
array_files[54]=new Array(0,1,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/privacy.html","2007-07-06","12K","Norwich Public Utilities - Our Privacy Policy","",""," Norwich Public Utilities - Our Privacy Policy                All words Any words Exact phrase            Weare concerned about protecting your privacy. This document sets out how our site handles the information we collect from you, how we use that information, and your legal rights regarding that information. Membership and Electronic Mail Addresses When contacting Norwich Public Utilities or signing up for our newsletter, we may ask for your email address and your full name. We dont give specific information about our visitors to anyone under any circumstances, unless we are required to do so for legal reasons. We do not show your email address on the site or supply to other visitors unless by your request or by your permission. We will only record your e-mail address if you send us a message or supply it as part of your newsletter registration. It will only be used for the purpose for which you provide it, and will not be added to a mailing list unless you request that this be done. We will not disclose it further without your consent or if required to do so for legal reasons. How We Protect Your Information When we collect your information, we take all reasonable steps to ensure your personal information is stored safely on our servers. Only the designated administrative Norwich Public Utilities web administrator has access to your personal information when necessary to contact you or analyze traffic to our website to serve you better. Do we disclose your information to third parties? We do not sell, trade or rent your personal information to third parties. If we choose to do so in the future, you will be notified by email of our intentions, and have the right to be removed prior to the disclosure. Browsing When you browse our site, we track all pages that are viewed. This information is available minimally through the web server logs. It helps us to determine which elements of our site are more useful to you, and which elements we need to improve or expand upon. Links to other sites This site may contain links to other sites.We arenot responsible for the privacy practices or the content of such web sites. Your consent and rights By using our website you consent to the collection and use of this information by Norwich Public Utilities. Changes to this privacy policy will be posted to this page so that you are kept informed of the information we collect, how we use it, and under what circumstances we disclose it. You have a right to see the personal information that we keep about you, upon receipt of written request (by post or email) to the address below. Your comments We welcome comments on our privacy policy. Please call us at 1-860-887-2555. Alternatively you can write to us at the following address: Norwich Public Utilities 173 North Main Street, Norwich, CT 06360 Back to Top  Legal translation: [أربيك]汉语FrançaisDeutschItaliano한국어PortuguêsРусскоEspañol Norwich Public Utilities 860-887-2555 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360 Copyright 2005 Norwich Public Utilities ");
array_files[55]=new Array(0,1,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/meter_reading.html","2007-07-06","19K","Norwich Public Utilities - How To Read Your Meter","",""," Norwich Public Utilities - How To Read Your Meter                     Last Week’s Reading 13424     This Week’s Reading 13659          Rates | Understanding Your Bill | Water Heater Rentals | How to Read Your Meters | Conservation & Safety Tips | Water Quality Reports | Customer Service Information              All words Any words Exact phrase            Electric Meter or Gas Meter    Electricity usage is measured in kWh (kilowatt hours). Natural gas is measured in CCF (100’s of cubic feet). Your meter will have 4 or 5 dials. Think of the dials like number columns – the farthest right dial is the 1’s column, the second from the right is the 10’s column and so on. The dials work like the odometer in your car – a hand must go around ten times to cause the hand on the dial to the left of it to go around once. The dials beside each other rotate in opposite directions. Start with farthest LEFT dial. If the hand is in between 2 numbers, record the number that the hand has just passed or the smaller of the 2 numbers. Make sure you are standing directly in front of the dial to get the correct reading. Also ensure that you record the numbers in the proper order- from left to right. The exception to this rule is if the hand is in between 9 and 0. In this case, record the number 9. If the hand is exactly on a number, look the dial to the right – if the hand on the right dial is on or has just passed the 0 then record the number on the left dial. If the hand on the right dial is just approaching the 0, read the lower number on the left dial, not the number that hand is actually on. To record how much electricity you use, you need to take a reading again later. For example, if you read your meter 1 week later at the about the same time, you will record a new number. Simply subtract the old number from the new number to get the total kilowatt hours of power you used:   Usage = This week subtract last week = 13659-13424 = 235kWh To find out how much that usage cost, multiply the amount of kWh by the rate per kWh. 235 X 0.0997 = 23 (your bill will also include the purchased power adjustment, which is also calculated according to your usage). You can use this same technique to read your gas meter. Once your meter is read, you call in the reading to our 24-hour voice mail system at 823-4123.       Reading Your Water Meter You can read your water meter the same way you read your car’s odometer. Simply record the numbers as they appear on the meter. To calculate your usage over 1 week, record the number on the meter on the same day and same time 7 days apart. Subtract the smaller number from the larger number and this tells you the total cubic feet of water you used during that week.     Frequently Asked Questions About Meter Reading Q. I dont like to receive an estimated bill but I work during the day. How can I get my in-home meters read? A. There are several ways you can ensure that your in-home meters are read and that you receive an accurate bill. Many customers give us access to the meters by providing us with keys or you can contact us for more suggestions on how to access your meter. All keys are kept in a LOCKED key box and are marked for identification by the meter reader – they are NOT labeled with names and addresses. You can also read your indoor meters, fill out a meter reading card and leave it for the meter reader on the day he is scheduled to read your meters. You can also call your readings into our 24-hour voice mail at 823-4123. For information on how to read your meters, click here and select which meter you need instructions for (electric, gas or water). Q. How would I know what day the meter reader is scheduled to come to my house? A. Your current NPU bill lists the date your meters were read for the current bill, as well as the date your meter was read last month and the date your meters will be read for the next month. While our meter readers make every effort to adhere to the schedule, occasionally the day your meters are read may vary by one or two days. That is why your bill will indicate the next scheduled reading date as “on or about.” Q. How can I be sure that the person asking for access to my house is a Norwich Public Utilities meter reader? A. Please, ask to see some identification! All NPU employees carry identification. You can also contact the NPU Customer Service Center at 887-2555 and ask if we have any personnel in your area. Remember, it is always better to question when you are not sure! Q. Can I read meters myself? A. Yes, you can read your meters and then call in the reading to our 24-hour voice mail system (823-4123).Just follow the directions on our How To Read Your Meter (for electric, gas or water.) Please note, our meter readers will still need to gain access to the meters in your home several times a year to verify that the meter is correctly recording your utility usage. Q. If I have a remote reader on the outside of my house, doesnt that mean that the meter reader doesnt have to come inside? A. No. The remote reading device, or “read-o”, displays the readings from the inside meter by recording a pulse that is transmitted through a connecting wire. Your inside meter is the actual measuring device. You should verify that the outside reading is the same as the inside reading. If there are discrepancies between the remote device and the actual meter, your account may have been billed incorrectly and the remote meter may need to be replaced. A NPU meter reader will need to have access to the inside meters several times a year to verify that the remote reader is accurate. Please, remember to keep the area around your meter(s) clear. Don’t pile boxes and other debris in front of the meter, and look to see if shrubs or branches make it difficult to access the meter(s). If you can’t reach it, neither can we. And please remember to keep your dogs inside on the day the meter reader is scheduled. He may be your best friend, but he can present a serious threat to a meter reader or service technician! Q. Will my meter be read in bad weather? A. NPU will make every effort to read your meter in bad weather. But if the road conditions or weather are unsafe for our employees, your meter will be read as soon after the reading date as possible. We appreciate your efforts to keep outdoor meters clear of snow so that we can read your meter and provide accuracy on your bill each month. Back to Top                You can view a page with photos and names of our meter readers here.         Legal translation: [أربيك]汉语FrançaisDeutschItaliano한국어PortuguêsРусскоEspañol Norwich Public Utilities 860-887-2555 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360  Copyright 2005 Norwich Public Utilities           ");
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array_files[57]=new Array(0,1,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/fish-lift.html","2007-07-06","20K","Norwich Public Utilities - Fish Lift","",""," Norwich Public Utilities - Fish Lift Fish Lift Live Web Cam | Educational Programs             All words Any words Exact phrase            About the Fish Lift Norwich Public Utilities offers tours of its Greeneville Dam fish lift starting the last week of April and running through June 29th. This is the best time to see a number of native species make their way upstream utilizing the NPU fish lift. Fish Lift Schedule for Viewing on our Web cam 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. * Please note: the fish lift operation is dictated by river levels and may be shut down at times due to high water levels. Every spring, thousands of fish make their way upstream to spawn. However, the Greeneville Dam was one obstacle the fish could not cross. Norwich Public Utilities, working with the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, determined that a fish lift was needed to handle the expected numbers of migrating fish. Construction of the fish lift was completed in 1996 at a cost of 2.5 million. Target species include the American and Gizzard Shad, Alewife, Blueback Herring and Sea-run Brown Trout. In 1998, when the lift was put into full operation, over 5,000 American Shad were passed through the fish lift. Norwich Public Utilities has also added an eel ladder to aid in the upstream migration of the American eel. How the Fish Lift Works Fish are initially attracted to the V-trap area by an attraction flow. The V-trap leads to the hopper collection area and the main hopper. The main hopper is the lift which brings the fish over the man made obstacle imposed by the dam. When the hopper reaches the top, the fish are released into the exit channel to continue their trip upstream. Fish can be seen in the exit channel from the counting house. Visitors are invited to watch the fish through the viewing window as they continue their trip upstream. Why is the Fish Lift Important? Why go through all this effort? Because it is important to aid in conservation! Fish must migrate upstream to spawn. Without the assistance of the fish lift, this migrating process was in jeopardy and resulted in a drastic decrease in the fish population. The fish lift also offers an opportunity for Department of Environmental Protection biologists to observe, or count the fish species passing by the window, thus allowing them to monitor the healthiness of the river. The benefit of having this lift has already been noticed – in four short years, the amount of fish being lifted has tripled! Watch the Fish Lift From the end of April through the month of May, you can click on this link to watch a live web cam of the fish lift. Back to Top      About the Greeneville Dam The area of Norwich known as Greeneville takes its name from William Greene whom was instrumental in the development of the area. William Greene purchased land on both sides of the Shetucket River in 1826 for the purpose of development. In 1828 he transferred the land to the Norwich Water Power Company, where he was the largest shareholder. Construction began on the original dam in 1829; remains of this dam can still be seen approximately 1200 feet upstream of the present dam. By 1833, the dam and canals were finished and capable of providing power to 40-50 thousand spindles. Mills were quickly built along the Shetucket River during the mid-1800s to take advantage of the waterpower. The Quinebaug Company was established in 1831 to make cotton cloth. Purchased in 1838 by the Shetucket Company it continued to produce cotton cloth until the 1920’s. The Chelsea Manufacturing Company, established in 1840, claimed in 1860 to be the largest paper mill in the world, employing 180 people. Durfy & Mowry’s merchant grist mill, Johnson & Miller’s cotton mill and the Norwich Bleaching & Calendering Co., a textile finishing firm, were all soon established along the river. Norwich became known for its paper and cloth manufacturers. In 1880, Hiram Cook, the new president of the Norwich Water Power Company started work on a new dam at a cost of 60,000. The headgates were widened to increase the water capacity of the canal to a depth of 10 feet. The dam was 339 feet across and composed of rubble masonry with a granite coping. In 1886, a disastrous flood took out 68 feet of the new dam, resulting in repairs made using wood cribbing filled with stone. Similar construction was utilized in 1915 when the dam was reconstructed and is still in use today. The gate mechanisms, installed in 1918, are still in use today. In 1961 Norwich Public Utilities purchased the Greeneville Dam with the intent of building a new hydroelectric station. The new station was completed in 1966 with a unit built by Allis Chalmers, rated at 1999 horsepower. Today, the Greeneville Dam is a haven for fishermen and nature lovers alike. Accessible from Eighth Street just past the bridge, Norwich Public Utilities maintains a boat launch area that offers fishermen access to some of the best fishing in the area! However, fishing within a 200-foot radius of the fish lift area is prohibited. Back to Top       History of the Occum Dam In 1864, Moses Pierce and L. W. Carroll of Norwich formed the Occum Company and purchased several acres of land with water privileges on the Shetucket River. They constructed a dam that was 14 feet high and 800 feet long, with a 2,000 foot long canal built along the west bank of the river. The canal was designed to provide water flow to two woolen mills situated on the Shetucket. The first mill, built by Joseph Converse and Sons, was in operation until it burnt in 1982 and was razed shortly afterward. The Occum “Red McKeon” Park now exists on the site where this mill once stood. The canal was buried beneath an embankment in the 1930’s. A lower mill built by R.G. Hooper no longer stands. The current Occum powerhouse was constructed in 1934 by the Norwich Gas & Electric Company, which is now known as Norwich Public Utilities (NPU). The powerhouse contains a 1000 KVA generator powered by a vertical Kaplan turbine manufactured by Morgan & Smith Co. The hydro unit was completed and put into operation in 1937. NPU continues to maintain and operate this hydro unit, providing an average of 2,700 – 3,700 megawatt hours of clean, green, renewable energy to our community each year. In 1938, a hurricane washed out the east side of the dam and spillway structure, along with the traffic bridge. The area of the dam washout was replaced by a new masonry structure which is clearly visible as it differs from the old dam construction. Construction on the current fish ladder began in the summer of 2004 and was completed by the spring of 2005. The fish passage ladder is located adjacent to the powerhouse and extends along the western shore for approximately 224 feet. The fish passage ladder consists of a concrete rectangular flume measuring 4 feet wide at varying heights starting at 6 feet to about 10 feet, depending on the location. A series of baffles are placed at an angle to the water flow to allow the fish to swim through the flume. A downstream fish passage was constructed adjacent to the project’s powerhouse and intake structure to promote the passage of the target species. There is also an upstream eel passage ladder system adjacent to the fish passage ladder. The purpose of these fish passages is to restore the natural fish migration in the Shetucket River. Target fish species include American Shad, Alewife, Blueback Herring, and the American Eel. Because the fish passage systems help restore the river back to its natural state, the Norwich Public Utilities’ Board of Utilities Commissioners dedicates the fish passages to the Native peoples who inhabit this area. About the Shetucket River The Shetucket River (loosely translated as the land between two rivers “ in the Mohegan-Pequot language) has been used by the Pequot, Mohegan and Nipmuck peoples and their ancestors for hundreds of years for fishing, transportation and village sites. The annual fish runs of anadromous fish such as shad, alewife and eel have always been an important resource for the Native peoples of Eastern Connecticut. During the spring, Native groups throughout Eastern Connecticut would come together at the narrows and falls of the Shetucket River to establish spring fishing camps, construct fish weirs and net or spear fish which they would dry for future use. These gatherings also served an important social function, as the rich fish harvests would allow many small groups to come together for a period of time to exchange information, get to know one another, renew old relationships and forge new ones.       Back to Top      Tour the NPU facility and watch the fish lift              Legal translation: [أربيك]汉语FrançaisDeutschItaliano한국어PortuguêsРусскоEspañol Norwich Public Utilities 860-887-2555 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360  Copyright 2005 Norwich Public Utilities  ");
array_files[58]=new Array(0,1,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/customer_service.html","2007-07-06","34K","Norwich Public Utilities - Customer Service","",""," Norwich Public Utilities - Customer Service Rates | Understanding Your Bill | Water Heater Rentals | How to Read Your Meters | Conservation & Safety Tips | Water Quality Reports | Customer Service Information           All words Any words Exact phrase           We are located at 173 North Main Street in Norwich Connecticut. You can visit us Monday through Friday, 8:00AM to 5:00 PM or call at (860) 887-2555. Click here for directions. Topics in this Section Payment & Administration Collections Policy Water & Sewer Questions Residential Gas Service Programs About Generators Payment & Administration I am planning to move. How do I arrange to get my utilities turned on? At Norwich Public Utilities we offer you one-stop shopping for all your utility needs. If you are moving to, or within Norwich, simply contact us at (860) 887-2555 and we will arrange to have your electric, gas and water utility accounts activated. In most cases this can be done with one brief phone call. Please make sure to give us at least 2 business days prior to your move date to set up your service. If you planning to move from Norwich to another community and need to arrange termination of your service, please call us to coordinate this for you. We required a minimum of 2 business days prior to your move to arrange for termination. Will you require a security deposit? Norwich Public Utilities may require a security deposit. You mean I dont have to come down to your office I can arrange for service by phone? Yes, in most cases we simply need the following information: Name Employer Name and address of your bank Social Security Number Drivers License Number Date of Birth Telephone number If you are renting, we will ask you if there are any additional names on your renters lease. Doing business with us is easy-as your public utility we want to meet your needs. Where can I pay my bill? NEW! Online bill payment is easy and secure. Click here to get started. Payments are always accepted at our Customer Service Center from Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You will receive a return envelope with your monthly bill to enable you to mail us your payment. We also have several payment agencies that will accept your payments: Chelsea Groton Savings Bank - all branches Greeneville Drug Store, 213 Central Ave., Norwich Taftville Pharmacy, 17 South Second St, Taftville If you pay your bill at any of the locations listed here, please allow 3 business days for payment processing. If you are paying on your Due Date, please pay at our Customer Service office to avoid late payment fees. For after-hours convenience, we have an outside drop box located at our Customer Service Center at 173 North Main Street. Payments left in our drop box will be processed the next business day. Do you accept credit cards? We accept both Visa and MasterCard over the phone, or in person. I am having trouble paying my bill. What can I do? First of all dont wait. If you are having a problem paying your bill, please let us know right away. We want to work with you to find an early solution so you dont risk losing your utility service. Simply speak with one of our Customer Account Representatives at 887-2555. We can review your account with you and talk about setting up a payment schedule. My bills are always so high in the winter. I wish there were some way to spread out my bills throughout the year. There is! Norwich Public Utilities offers a budget plan that enables you to spread out 12 months of billing with 11 equal payments. We will take your past 12 months of billings for all your services and divide that number by 11 to establish your monthly payment. The 12th month is when we reconcile your account and determine whether you are owed a refund or need to make a payment. In order to be eligible for this program your account must be up to date. Call a Customer Account Rep at 887-2555 for more information. Back to Top   Collections Policy Effective June 15, 2006, Norwich Public Utilities is implementing changes to its collections process. To learn more, click here (PDF download). If you do not have Adobe Acrobat to read PDFs, you can download it for free by clicking this link. Back to Top    Residential Water & Sewer Service Information Please contact us with your questions if you cannot find an answer here. I would like to connect to the city water supply. How do I do this? Contact a Project Coordinator at 823-4149 to ensure the availability of city water at your property. NPU project coordinators can be reached Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM. Project coordinators are experts in the services we offer and can often make recommendations that will save you time and money. Best of all, our consultations are free of charge. There is city water available. Who runs the pipes to my house? Norwich Public Utilities is responsible for bringing the water service from the main in the street to the curb. It is the homeowners responsibility to extend the water service line from the curb to the inside of the home or building. This is typically accomplished by hiring an outside contractor. What are the contractors responsibilities? Once you hire a contractor, and obtain the necessary permits we strongly recommend that you or your contractor keep us informed of the planned installation. This will ensure that we are available to inspect the connections when the contractor is ready for us and save you any delays or added expense. It is mandatory that you or your contractor Call Before You Dig  at 1-800-922-4455. We require 2 business days advance notice before digging can take place. Most contractors are aware that they are responsible for this contact. When will I get my meter? Norwich Public Utilities must inspect connections at the curb box before the contractor back fills the trench. Providing us with at least two business days’ notice will ensure the timeliest completion of your project. We will provide and install the water meter as soon as possible after the connection has been inspected. What do I have to do to disconnect my well? The State of Connecticut Department of Public Health codes require that piping from the well to the house must be disconnected after tying into a public water supply, to prevent contamination of the City’s water supply. Exceptions need to have the approval of the Commissioner of Health. You can get more information, and contact information for the Connecticut Department of health at their web site: http://www.dph.state.ct.us/ I would like to connect to city sewers. How do I do this? Contact a NPU project coordinator at (860) 823-4149 to ensure the availability of city sewer at your property. The NPU project coordinator will assist you through the process of connecting to the city sewer system if it’s available to your property. There is sewer service available. Who will run the pipes to my house? The property owner is responsible for installing the sewer service from his/her home to the sewer main in the street. You will need to hire an outside contractor to provide this service. How long will it take to get my service connected? To ensure the timeliest completion of your project, we recommend that your contractor keep us informed of the status of the planned installation. This will ensure that we are available to inspect the connections at your convenience. It is important that your contractor contact Call Before Your Dig at 1-800-922-4455 2 business days in advance of any digging. Back to Top Natural Gas Did you know that NPU offers gas service 24 hours per day? Our qualified field service technicians can provide service to both residential and small commercial appliances, heaters and furnaces. We also offer four service plans to our customers to provide peace of mind during the annual heating season. Residential Gas Service Programs The Residential Gas Service ‘Labor Only’ Plan  This plan covers labor for repair to any gas furnace or appliance during normal business hours (M-F 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM). It is effective from October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007. Parts required for any repairs will be replaced at an additional cost.  Due to large variety of heating appliances, we cannot stock all replacement parts. Most parts are available by special order. Some repairs may require a heating contractor or plumber to be hired by the customer. This plan is available for single-family dwellings or individual apartments only.  Emergency after-hour calls, such as no heat, are included in the plan. If service is required outside of normal business hours, a charge of 10.00 for the first half-hour and an additional charge of 15.00 for each quarter-hour thereafter will be assessed. Typically, the plan will ay for itself with just one service call For an additional fee, an annual cleaning can be added to this plan. The cleaning must be scheduled between April 1, 2007 and September 30, 2007.  Tax included.  The Residential Gas Service ‘Labor & Parts’ Plan This plan includes everything in the Labor Only Plan, plus these replacements parts: thermocouples, hot surface igniters, pilot generators, gas shut off valves, gas regulators, gas control valves, pressure relief valves, circulator motors, expansion tank, water pressure regulator/fill valve, air purge hyvent, zone valve head, pressure guage, aquastat, water guage glasses and washers, stem pressure control, blow down rebuild kit, transformer, fan and limit control, belts and standard thermostat. Parts required outside of those specified will be replaced at an additional cost. Rates for ‘Labor Only’ and ‘Labor and Parts’ Plans    Labor Only (Plan #1): 100.00 Labor Only with Annual Cleaning and Maintenance (Plan #2): 160.00   Labor and Parts (Plan #3): 120.00 Labor and Parts with Annual Cleaning and Maintenance (Plan #4): 180.00    Additional Information for Plans Important Note:  Norwich Public Utilities reserves the right to inspect any equipment covered by the plan in accordance with the American Gas Association and the National Fuel Gas Code regulations, and reject heating systems that do not meet its requirements. If you sign up for one  ");
array_files[59]=new Array(0,1,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/contactus.html","2007-07-06","14K","Norwich Public Utilities - How To Reach Us","",""," Norwich Public Utilities - How To Reach Us                              All words Any words Exact phrase               General Inquiries 860-887-2555   Billing 860-887-2555   Consultations 860-823-4149   Emergencies - Electric 860-887-2555   Emergencies - Natural Gas 860-887-7207   Emergencies - Water 860-887-2555   Emergencies - Sewer 860-887-2555   Public Relations 860-823-4109   Commercial Accounts 860-823-4149       Call Before You Dig! 1-800-922-4455       Report Street Lights Out 860-887-2555     Address:Customer Service Center 173 North Main Street Norwich, CT 06360 Business Development Center (Commercial Accounts)  16 South Golden Street Norwich, CT 06360 Email: communitymatters@npumail.com Directions to our Customer Service Center Directions From I-395 South Take exit 80 to Route 82 East. (Right turn from the exit). Follow Route 82 to Route 2 East. (Take a right at the intersection) Follow Route 2 East to Route 12 North -North Main Street. NPU Customer Service Center is located on the right hand side 1⁄4 mile from the intersection of Route 2 and 12. Directions From I-395 North Take exit 83 to Route 97 (right turn from the exit). Follow Route 97 to Route 12 South approx. 2 miles. Follow Route 12 South for approximate 2-5 miles. NPU Customer Service Center is located on the left side.  Map of 173 N Main St Norwich, CT 06360-4701, US Back to Top         Legal translation: [أربيك]汉语FrançaisDeutschItaliano한국어PortuguêsРусскоEspañol Norwich Public Utilities 860-887-2555 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360 communitymatters@npumail.com  Copyright 2005 Norwich Public Utilities  ");
array_files[60]=new Array(0,1,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/commercial_rates.html","2007-07-06","66K","Norwich Public Utilities - Commercial Rates","",""," Norwich Public Utilities - Commercial Rates Rates | How to Read Your Meters | Water Quality Reports | Customer Service Information           All words Any words Exact phrase               Natural Gas Electricity  Small Commercial – Non-Manufacturers Small Commercial – Manufacturers Commercial & Industrial – Non-Manufacturers Commercial & Industrial – Manufacturers Large Commercial & Industrial – Non-Manufacturers Large Commercial & Industrial – Manufacturers City & State Uses Private Lighting  Water & Sewer  Private Fire Protection    Click this link to download a PDF containing electric rates here. If you dont have Adobe Acrobat to read PDFs, you can download it for free here.      Natural Gas General Gas Service Rate GG Available for all gas use by Commercial and Industrial customers where distribution facilities are suitable for the services required.   Customer Charge 30.00/month   GAS [Natural Gas Supply, Distribution, Storage]   First 200 CCF @.9950/CCF   All over 200 CCF @.8362/CCF   Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA)  varies each month; for current rate, click here   Rate (PGA) will be applied to all CCF billed   The minimum charge shall be the Customer Service Charge of 30.00 per month. A monthly penalty charge equal to 1.5% of the unpaid balance not paid within 25 days of the billing date. Commercial & Industrial Gas for Space Heating Rate GSH Available to any Commercial and Industrial customers for separately metered gas space heating and air conditioning gas service. Water heating may also be included if the entire building is heated with gas. The term of availability of this rate shall be for 12 months and yearly thereafter.   Customer Charge 30.00/month   GAS [Natural Gas Supply, Distribution, Storage]   All CCF @.8340/CCF   Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA)  varies each month; for current rate, click here   Rate (PGA) will be applied to all CCF billed   The minimum charge shall be the Customer Service Charge of 30.00 per month. A monthly penalty charge equal to 1.5% of the unpaid balance not paid within 25 days of the billing date. General City Gas Service Available only to Departments of the City of Norwich for all gas use.   All gas uses per month @.9600/CCF   Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA)  varies each month; for current rate, click here   Rate (PGA) will be applied to all CCF billed   Additional Details: There is a minimum monthly charge equal to the Customer Charge that pays for maintaining local systems for natural gas and funds local operational costs. CCF is 100 cubic feet, the standard measurement unit for natural gas. You are charged for the natural gas you use monthly, based on your meter reading. The purchased gas adjustment is needed to reflect the costs of natural gas from our wholesale supplier. Natural gas prices rise and fall based on supply and demand issues. When the cost of natural gas increases, NPU reflects this increase with an adjustment per cubic foot of natural gas that you use. To view the latest PGA, click here. Back to Top      Electricity ELECTRIC SMALL COMMERCIAL (Non-Manufacturers) – RATE ESC Availability: Available to Commercial and Industrial customers and Houses of Worship for lighting, heating, cooling, refrigeration, and power uses, where distribution facilities are suitable for the service requested, and where the load does not exceed 10 kW as measured or as otherwise determined by the Utility. For Houses of Worship only, the demand may exceed 10 kW.   Rate   Customer Charge, Per Month 8.72     Electricity Used:     – First 750 kWh Per Month 0.11470 per kWh   – All over 750 kWh Per Month 0.10577 per kWh   Purchased Power Adjustment(PPA)      The Purchased Power Adjustment Rate will be applied to all kWh billed    Energy Efficiency Fund   A charge will be applied to all billed kWh consumption to recover the costs of investment in renewable energy resources and energy efficiency and load reduction initiatives through the NPU Energy Efficiency Fund   Minimum Charge    The minimum charge is the customer charge of 8.72 per month.   Back to Top ELECTRIC SMALL COMMERCIAL (Manufacturers) – RATE ESCGRC Availability: Available to Commercial and Industrial customers classified as Manufacturers under applicable State Law where distribution facilities are suitable for the service requested, and where the load does not exceed 10 kW as measured or as otherwise determined by the Utility.   Rate   Customer Charge, Per Month 7.98     Electricity Used:     – First750 kWh Per Month 0.11075 per kWh   – All over 750 kWh Per Month 0.10258 per kWh   Purchased Power Adjustment(PPA)      The Purchased Power Adjustment Rate will be applied to all kWh billed.    Energy Efficiency Fund   A charge will be applied to all billed kWh consumption to recover the costs of investment in renewable energy resources and energy efficiency and load reduction initiatives through the NPU Energy Efficiency Fund.   Minimum Charge    The minimum charge is the customer charge of 7.98 per month.   Back to Top        ELECTRIC COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL (Non-Manufacturers) – RATE EC Availability: Available to Commercial and Industrial customers for lighting, heating, cooling, refrigeration and power uses, where distribution facilities are suitable for the service requested and where the load exceeds 10 kW.   Rate   Demand Charge:    – Minimum Charge First 10 kW 50.40   – All excess kW demand 5.04 per kW     Electricity Used:     – First150 kWh per kW of billing demand – requirements per month 0.09020 per kWh   – All excess kWh 0.07056 per kWh   Purchased Power Adjustment(PPA)      The Purchased Power Adjustment Rate will be applied to all kWh billed.    Energy Efficiency Fund   A charge will be applied to all billed kWh consumption to recover the costs of investment in renewable energy resources and energy efficiency and load reduction initiatives through the NPU Energy Efficiency Fund.   Minimum Charge    The minimum charge is the minimum demand charge of 50.40 per month.   Primary Metering    Where the service is metered at the Utilities primary voltage, all kWh readings will be reduced by 2% to obtain billing quantities.   Determination of the Demand Requirements    The demand charge will be based on the greatest 15-minute kW demand requirement within the current billing month measured by suitable demand metering devices or as otherwise determined by the Utility, but not less than 80% of the highest demand measured in the 11 months prior to the billing month, nor less than 10 kW.   Back to Top ELECTRIC COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL (Manufacturers) – RATE ECGRC Availability: Available to Commercial and Industrial customers classified as Manufacturers under applicable State Law where distribution facilities are suitable for the service requested and where the load exceeds 10 kW.   Rate   Demand Charge:    – Minimum Charge First 10 kW 50.40   – All excess kW demand 5.04 per kW     Electricity Used:     – First150 kWh per kW of billing demand – requirements per month 0.08815 per kWh   – All excess kWh 0.06895 per kWh   Purchased Power Adjustment(PPA)      The Purchased Power Adjustment Rate will be applied to all kWh billed.    Energy Efficiency Fund   A charge will be applied to all billed kWh consumption to recover the costs of investment in renewable energy resources and energy efficiency and load reduction initiatives through the NPU Energy Efficiency Fund.   Minimum Charge    The minimum charge is the minimum demand charge of 50.40 per month.   Primary Metering    Where the service is metered at the Utilities primary voltage, all kWh readings will be reduced by 2% to obtain billing quantities.   Determination of the Demand Requirements    The demand charge will be based on the greatest 15-minute kW demand requirement within the current billing month measured by suitable demand metering devices or as otherwise determined by the Utility, but not less than 80% of the highest demand measured in the 11 months prior to the billing month, nor less than 10 kW.   Back to Top        ELECTRIC LARGE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL (Non-Manufacturers) – RATE EP Availability: Available to large Commercial or Industrial customers with an actual demand of 100 KVA or larger for power, lighting, heating, refrigeration and cooling uses, where distribution facilities are suitable for the service requested.   Rate    Demand Charge:    – For any part of the first 100 KVA demand – requirements per month 609.00   – For all excess KVA demand requirements – per month 6.09 per KVA   Electricity Used:    – First 250 kWh per KVA of billing demand – requirements per month 0.07087 per kWh   – All excess kWh 0.04570 per kWh   Purchased Power Adjustment(PPA)    The Purchased Power Adjustment Rate will be applied to all kWh billed.      Energy Efficiency Fund   A charge will be applied to all billed kWh consumption to recover the costs of investment in renewable energy resources and energy efficiency and load reduction initiatives through the NPU Energy Efficiency Fund.   Minimum Charge   The minimum charge is the minimum demand charge of 609.00 per month.   Primary Metering    Where the service is metered at the Utilities primary voltage, all kWh readings will be reduced by 2% to obtain billing quantities.   Determination of the Demand Requirements   The demand charge will be based on the greatest 15-minute KVA demand requirement within the current billing month measured by suitable demand metering devices or as otherwise determined by the Utility, but not less than 80% of the highest demand measured in the 11 months prior to the billing month, nor less than 100 KVA.   Facilities Ownership Discount   If the service is taken at primary distribution voltage and Norwich Public Utilities is relieved of installing the service transformers and substation equipment, except the metering equipment, a credit shall be applied to the bill equal to 0.41530 per KVA of demand requirements.   Back to Top ELECTRIC LARGE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL (Manufacturers) – RATE EPGRC Availability: Available to large Commer  ");
array_files[61]=new Array(0,1,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/about_us.html","2007-07-06","12K","Norwich Public Utilities - About Us","",""," Norwich Public Utilities - About Us                                      All words Any words Exact phrase                 About NPU Norwich Public Utilities celebrated a century of service in 2004. Today, all of us at Norwich Public Utilities are committed to providing a high level of customer service.We are your friends and neighbors.We are scout leaders, sports team coaches, PTO members, and volunteers in the local fire departments.We know what being part of a community is all about.We take pride in our community and work to make it the best place to live, work and do business. The NPU Business Model Norwich Public Utilities operates under municipal ownership, which means that it is owned by its customers and the City of Norwich. NPU turns over 10% of its total billings to the city’s general fund. That typically amounts to between 4 and 5 million dollars every year.The city, in turn, can use this money to support the community. The business model of NPU is cost-based which means that customers pay rates that reflect the cost of the services provided, not simply what customers are willing to pay. At investor-owned utilities, profits may be maximized for return to individual investors. In contrast, NPU’s municipal ownership returns profit directly to the community it serves. The Norwich Board of Public Utilities Commissioners governs Norwich Public Utilities. This five-member board also serves as the Sewer Authority.Members are appointed by the City Council and serve five-year terms.Living in the community as your neighbors, they understand the needs of Norwich and are responsible to you. Be sure to visit Norwich Now, the official web site of the City of Norwich.  Back to Top                We invite you to read Community Matters, our regular communications bulletin to find  out about important issues that affect the Norwich community. Read back issues here.         Legal translation: [أربيك]汉语FrançaisDeutschItaliano한국어PortuguêsРусскоEspañol Norwich Public Utilities 860-887-2555 173 North Main Street Norwich CT 06360  Copyright 2005 Norwich Public Utilities           ");
array_files[62]=new Array(0,1,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/fish-lift-webcam1.html","2007-07-05","4K","NPU 10th Street Live Fish Cam","",""," NPU 10th Street Live Fish Cam  csactionitem name=C24BF2080 csactions csaction name=C24BF2080 class=ResizeWindow type=onload val0=400 val1=600 csaction name=C25D1F981 class=Close Window type=onevent  csscriptdict import=import   csactiondict      Greeneville Dam Fish Lift Live Web Cam          The fish lift will continue to operate, on a limited schedule, through June 29, 2007. Lifts will take place at 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Legal translation: [أربيك]汉语FrançaisDeutschItaliano한국어PortuguêsРусскоEspañol Click Here to Close Window  ");
array_files[63]=new Array(0,1,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/WQ-tables-lg.html","2007-06-12","0K","Water Quality 2006","","","    Water Quality 2006 csactionitem name=C2946DFC0 csactions csaction name=C2946DFC0 class=ResizeWindow type=onload val0=830 val1=760  csscriptdict import   csactiondict       ");
array_files[64]=new Array(0,4,"http://www.norwichpublicutilities.com/pdfs/CleanCities-January2006.pdf","2006-07-14","556K"," ","","","CONNECTICUT CLEAN CITIES CONNECTION www.ccities.doe.gov A Connecticut Clean Cities Coalition Publication Volume 4 Issue 1, January 2006 FAIRFIELD OBTAINS GRANT TO DIVERSIFY FUEL SUPPLY n October 31, 2005, The Town of Fairfield, The Southern Connecticut Gas Company and the Clean Cities Coalition of Southwest Connecticut celebrated the expansion of the Towns natural gas vehicle fueling station at the Town Public Works facility. The Town received a 130,250 grant from the US Department of Energy to implement the refueling station and to purchase a natural gas senior shuttle bus. The Southern Connecticut Gas Company provided over 118,300 in equipment and O Coordinators another good year for Cono 2 005tiwasClean Cities. The cooperation nec cut r n between the Connecticut Coalitions and the e Ocean State Coalition of Rhode Island for the r Advance the Choice event at Mohegan Sun was a great success ­ our new double track format improved the attendance at the sessions very noticeably. In Southwest Connecticut, an aggressive CNG vehicle and infrastructure expansion for multiple communities is continuing. New Havens electric buses are continuing their excellent performance and New Haven is now successfully pursuing their goal of the design and manufacture of hydrogen powered buses. The Center for Advanced Technology is working with Capital Clean Cities of Connecticut to develop a Hydrogen Roadmap for emerging transportation and stationary power systems in Connecticut. Norwich is continuing to expand its CNG fleet, will soon have Biodiesel, and is excited about developing the Advanced Technology Bus Rapid Transit project that was kicked off in late 2005. The movement of the Department of Energys Clean Cities program office from the Office of Weatherization to the Freedom Car Project makes sense and should give the project some much needed visibility. The news of the elimination of the DOE Region 1 was depressing, but we certainly will strive to work long distance with the consolidated Pittsburgh office. Mike Scarpino will still be available and we will do all that we can to help ease the transition for him and his family. -Peter Polubiatko technical services towards the project. The entire project is valued at 296,530. Not only is our fleet cleaner because of our natural gas vehicle program, but we have been able to reduce fuel costs by securing a competitively priced natural gas contract, said First Selectman Ken Flatto. Over the next year we plan to expand our fleet beyond the 28 natural gas vehicles to include school buses and other heavy duty vehicles. By switching our fleet from diesel to natural gas, we will help reduce the risks associated with the exposure to diesel exhaust within sensitive populations in our community, including both children and seniors. The Town of Fairfield has been a leader in the strategic use of federal and state funding mechanisms to reduce the costs of fleet and facility projects to the town. It has been our privilege to partner with the Town of Fairfield on projects such as the installation of a fuel cell, microturbines, and its `green municipal fleet, said Michael Smalec, Manager of Key Accounts, Southern Connecticut Gas Company. The Town of Fairfield and the Clean Cities of Southwest Connecticut were awarded the largest grant the State has ever received from the US DOE for this type of project. The implementation of this project will help displace approximately 300 gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel every day with cleaner, domestically produced natural gas, said State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management Planning Town of Fairfield First Selectman Ken Flatto and Clean Cities stakeholders open new CNG station. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3  ENERGY POLICY ACT PROVISIONS THAT MAY AFFECT YOU his article is one in a four part series that extracts certain sections of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 that may impact your operations, whether a large fleet or just a single vehicle. Most of the information is from the Clean Cities and U.S. Alternative Fuels Data Center website T www.eere.gov/cleancities. For the full text of the Act, visit the Thomas Register on the Library of Congress Web site, and search by Bill Number for HR 6. The four part series will cover the following topics in succeeding newsletters 1. Tax Credits 2. Grant Programs and Specific Fuel sections of the Act 3. Financing available for research and education programs 4. Vehicle replacement, upgrade and fuel economy programs In this issue we will cover tax credits ­ Sections 1341, 1342, and 1344 thru 1347 plus the related section 1113 of the highway bill. continued on page 4 NEW HAVEN CLEAN CITIES HYDROGEN BUS PROGRAM UPDATE he Greater New Haven Transit District Hydrogen Bus Program has just completed its first Program Design Review (PDR) in Conifer, Colorado under the direction of Mobile Energy Systems. The review process included review of the basic bus structure, to be of light weight composite design, and all other major systems. The bus will be a hydrogen hybrid-electric design with advanced American Disability Act (ADA) capabilities and advanced electronics to support enhanced marketing systems, Wi-Fi communications. The program has now been designated Origen One and includes not only the bus, but also the other program elements. This includes the infrastructure consisting of two types of hydrogen generation, a reformer and a compressor-less electrolysis system. Phase One activities that T include all design work should be complete by Spring of 2006. Another major activity in the Greater New Haven Coalition is the follow-up to a request by Yale University to recommend emission reduction technology for their student transit fleet. This will involve an economic analysis of types of vehicles, fuels, power trains and exhaust treatment. At the request of the Coalition, the National Renewal Energy Laboratory (NREL) is providing a Tiger Team to do the analysis and they have selected New West Technologies of Landover, Maryland to do the study. It is the intent of the University to use the information resulting from the analysis to give their purchasing department guidelines for the purchase of cleaner replacement vehicles in their transit vehicle buying cycle. - Lee Grannis A Message From the Department of Energys Regional Office ou may have been aware in recent months that Congress was considering closing the US Department of Energys Northeast Regional office in 2006. It is now official that the Regional Office will be consolidated into the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Morgantown, West Virginia, as directed by Congress in Public Law 109-103, Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act 2006. The Northeast Regional Office is one of six regional offices in the country to be closed effective June 30, 2006. Although the office will no longer reside in the region, it is intended that Clean Cities coalitions Y and stakeholders will receive support from staff located in NETL similar to what you have become accustomed to in the past. Also, resources in DOE HQ and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory will continue to provide programmatic, technical and outreach support. Despite this change in the regional office structure, our mission to deploy clean transportation technologies has not changed. By deploying these technologies, we will continue to contribute to lessening our nations dependence on foreign oil, while improving the quality of the air we breathe. - Mike Scarpino, USDOE Page 2, Vol 4 Issue 1  NORWICH CLEAN CITIES CELEBRATES BEYOND A BILLION GALLONS DAY were celebrating Beyond a Billion. Channel 8, an n October 14, 2005, Norwich Clean CitABC affiliate located in New Haven, was interested ies joined the other 87 Clean Cities in the in seeing first hand the natural gas AFVs that make Nation in a celebration of the symbolic pumping up the greater part of the Norwichs fleet and viewof the billionth gallon of alternative fuel since the programs inception. As of that date, Norwich Public ing the infrastructure that is required to maintain these vehicles. Norwich Clean Cities Utilities had pumped 134,000 gge coordinator Pete Polubiatko stressed (gallon of gas equivalent) of comthe importance in reaching the bilpressed national gas from its facility lion gallon s milestone not only for on North Main Street. This fueling the environment but in improving the facility is open to public and private nations energy security by reducing alternative fuel vehicles using CNG. the need for imported oil. The Norwich Clean Cities Coalition The televised segment aired in worked with Channel 8 television Chris LaRose of NPU covers shows Connecticut in late October as part of and with The Day newspaper to the news crew how the fueling the Channel 8 nightly news and The publicize and promote the success operation works Day published an article in its issue on of this effort locally joining the other Sunday, October 16, 2005. Clean Cities across the country who O CT CLEAN CITIES PARTICIPATES IN CTDEP DIESEL EMISSIONS REDUCTION PLAN n the previous issue of Clean Cities Connection we noted our participation in the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protections preparation of a plan on diesel exhaust mitigation in the State that will be presented to the General Assembly in mid-January. Clean Cities participation in the subcommittees was directed primarily toward the Fleets Subcommittee. A meeting on November 17 with Paul Farrell, Subcommittee Chairman, and CC reps. Peter Polubiatko, Juliet Burdelski, Mike Tucchio, John Kennedy and Mike Smalec resulted in the incorporation in his draft report of information on alternative fuels and vehicles as one potential solution to diesel emissions mitigation. We encouraged the other subcommittees to include the option I of alternative fuels in their draft reports as well. A general response memo noting the part alt fuels might play in the all sectors covered by the plan was submitted on December 20 at a final report draft review meeting at DEP. At this meeting Tracy Babbidge, Assistant Division Director of DEPs Bureau of Air Management, requested all in attendance to submit comments on   ");
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